I WELCOME Martin Gilmour's interest in the government's provision of $1.76 million for additional elective surgeries at the Launceston General Hospital (Editorial, July 12).
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As we know, poor management of Tasmania's elective surgery waiting list was a major failing of the previous minister.
However, I take issue with the assertion, contrary to my earlier answer to The Examiner's questions, that the LGH is unable to use this funding due to the capital works under way.
The Health and Human Services Department and the Tasmanian Health Organisation North are working to determine how the additional surgeries can best be delivered.
This includes maximisation of theatre availability, improved management of post-operative beds, staffing and other support services, and consideration of unused theatre capacity at other facilities.
Yes, the capital works are a challenge, but additional activity for our Northern community is a good thing.
The expected date for completion of works is not "sometime next year" as asserted by Mr Gilmour.
Rather, it is expected that theatres will be commissioned progressively from late October to early 2015.
I have every confidence the hospital will meet the additional elective surgeries target, which includes all children, all category 1 (urgent), and a significant number of category 2 (semi-urgent) adult patients who've waited too long for surgery.
This is just the start as the new theatres come online; the LGH will be well placed to deliver its share of the governments $76 million commitment to provide up to 15,000 additional elective surgeries across Tasmania over the next four years.
This investment will provide improved access to elective surgery for residents of Northern Tasmania after years of failure and embarrassing scorecards under Labor.
- MICHAEL FERGUSON, Health Minister.