Health Minister Michael Ferguson said the additional funding will be available to improve emergency patient transport, streamline transport between hospitals and health facilities, provide transport for people to access non-urgent medical appointments, as well as boost the financial support for private travel and accommodation required to access health care.

"With the addition of a range of new specialist services at the Mersey Community Hospital we are expecting up to 7,500 fewer people travelling from the North West to Launceston for treatment each year," Mr Ferguson said.

"With this $14 million funding commitment, not only will there be fewer North-West Tasmanians travelling out of the region for consultations and treatment, but when they do need to travel for complex services or life-saving treatment they will be supported better than ever before to do so.''