Clive Stott
http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=26349
Larissa Giddings, the Hon Minister for Health and Human Services is upset about Healthscope putting profits before health? It would seem ok for the government to do this, but not anybody else. Tasmanian’s have had their health put at risk for years because of Forestry putting profits before health with their deliberate spraying and pernicious smoke programs. Perhaps our health system would be in a better position to cope without the added hospital attendances and related health costs attributable to these. It is just a matter of robbing Peter to pay Paul…but hang on, didn’t Paul leave?
The background:
HOBART PRIVATE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
The General Manager of Hobart Private, Glen Power said today that no decision has been made and nothing has been finalised about the future of the Emergency Department at the hospital.
He said hospital management is currently looking at a range of options including the status quo, the feasibility of establishing an Urgent Care Centre and other models of care.
“As with all services and departments at our hospital, the performance of the Department is regularly reviewed.
“The Emergency Department has always faced challenges arising from patient attendance numbers, staffing and recruitment and competition from two other Emergency Departments in Hobart with these challenges continuing.”
“Hobart Private Hospitalis committed to the maintenance of a significant onsite service for ambulatory patients and to growing the available service to relieve pressure on our neighbouring Royal Hobart Hospital and to serve the community better.”
“Closer collaboration between the Royal Hobart Hospital and Hobart Private Hospital is the key to our future success as a collocated tertiary private hospital and to meeting the challenges facing the Tasmanian community in enjoying access to first class hospital and medical services” he said.
Dr Power said a meeting with the Department of Health and Human Services next week would discuss this and other issues.
He said the hospital is canvassing a wide range of views in the course of the review; including close consultation with staff, doctors and other stakeholders with all input welcome.
Wednesday 1st April 2009
