The Tasmanian Greens today claimed as significant health policy win the announcement of improved renal services for north-west Tasmania.
In response to a question from Greens Health spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP in State Parliament today, the Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne MP revealed that local services would begin next month.
“The Greens strongly welcome this commitment from the Minister, despite her previously denying any knowledge of a problem with renal services in north-west Tasmania,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“We took a promise to the last election that we would work to secure accessible renal services for patients in north-west Tasmania, and now that has been delivered.”
“Up until now, patients in the north west have had to make the long journey to Launceston to receive dialysis at significant cost and inconvenience.”
“Last year, I continued to stress the serious concerns about the shortage of north-west renal services during Budget Estimates, and received a flat denial from the Minister Michelle O’Byrne that there was a problem.”
“Tasmania, and particularly the north-west coast, has particularly high rates of renal disease, and the State Renal Plan indicates that these numbers are increasing exponentially with time.”
“This is great news for the thousands of people in the community with renal disease who rely on this life-sustaining therapy, or may one day need it.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Health Spokesperson Wednesday, 22 May 2013
