THE health sector will receive a $66.8 million boost this financial year.

But the Department of Health and Human Services and Tasmanian Health Organisations will still need to save $40.7 million this year, and $210 million over four years, through non-frontline changes.

There were few surprises in the health budget, with the Liberals honouring their election commitments.

This financial year will see money flow for the return of hospital at home, a feasibility study for a Launceston hospice, an independent review of the mental health system, new suicide prevention strategies, additional nurse graduate placements and extra elective surgeries.

From 2016, the government will also provide $3 million over two years for a study into the health needs of Break O’Day and North East Tasmania, which will inform a business case for a new hospital at St Helens.

Some of the $3 million will also go towards construction of the hospital.