… TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT THE FUTURE FOR NORTHERN TASMANIA’S ONLY PUBLIC REHABILITION FACILITY – THE JOHN L GROVE UNIT.

The John L. Grove unit is the 20 bed rehabilitation centre of the Launceston General Hospital that is facing an uncertain future. Federal funding ceases in just 6 weeks time, and to date the State Government has refused to commit to keeping the centre open.

“Two weeks ago the State Government said they were ‘continuing to work with our federal colleagues to find a solution and we continue to be hopeful of a positive outcome.’ The federal budget is silent on the issue of the funding, so we want to know if the state Liberals have failed to get their federal colleagues to commit to the John L. Grove.” said Robbie Moore, HACSU Assistant State Secretary.

The John L Grove has been receiving federal funding via the National Partnerships Agreement over the last 18 months, and successfully treats a wide range of slow stream rehabilitation patients.

“The lack of certainty about the future of the centre is impacting on both health workers and the many people in Northern Tasmania who need rehabilitation services, said Robbie Moore. Today union members commenced industrial action to enable them to continue to campaign for the survival of the centre.

“How can the state government justify keeping so many people in the dark? They have known about the funding for the John L Grove since then came to power over a year ago – and yet here we are, 6 weeks away from potential closure of the only public rehabilitation centre in Northern Tasmania, and they have nothing to say.

“This unit had $4.7 million dollars worth of refurbishment in 2013 – and yet it seems likely they are looking to either close the unit completely, or significantly decrease services.

“The government promised to ‘keep the centre’s staff and the community informed on options and developments’ and yet they have been completely silent as the clock continues to tick.

“We call upon the State Government to come clean now about what is going to happen to the John L Grove.”
Robbie Moore, HACSU Assistant State Secretary