Questions over resources for elective surgery at the Mersey

Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White today raised questions over whether the Mersey Community Hospital will be adequately resourced if it is to undertake thousands of additional elective surgeries by July 1 next year.

“The Minister for Health Michael Ferguson has indicated the Mersey could perform up to two thirds of Tasmania’s elective surgeries, but has given no guarantee money will be provided in the Budget,” Ms White said.

“The White Paper clearly states that new elective surgery services at the Mersey will be fully implemented by July next year.

“Data released under Right to Information shows that only 1660 of the 13,164 elective surgeries performed in Tasmania last year were undertaken at the Mersey.

“The number would have to increase to around 7000 a year if the Mersey is to achieve two thirds of all elective surgeries in the State.

“An enormous amount of work will have to happen between now and July 1 with additional operating theatre capacity just one of the issues.

“There may be a need for significant capital works at the Mersey but that will be subject to funding in next year’s budget which is not until May.

“It seems unlikely that any capital works required will be ready in time for the full implementation of a dedicated elective surgery centre at the Mersey as outlined in the implementation plan.

“The implementation plan also states that no service changes will be made until hospitals are fully equipped to meet additional demand and services can be provided safety.

“The Minister needs to give an assurance to the North-West community that he is committed to funding any changes identified as part of the business plan to increase theatre capacity at the Mersey.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Minister for Health