While the government failed to deliver any big surprises in its state budget, it is comforting to know the current state of Tasmanian health seriously. In his budget speech, Treasurer Peter Gutwein announced record spending in the health sector with a $650 million injection, taking the spending $7 billion across four years.
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The much-needed allocation of funding will see 106 addition beds open across the state with more health professionals to be employed at hospitals desperately crying out for more staff. In the North, the future of the John L Grove centre has been secured with the government investing $20 million to keep beds open.
The government will add four new beds to ward 4D at the Launceston General Hospital with an extra $35.8 million in funding, taking the overall bed capacity to 19.
It would have been a welcomed gift if the North received more of the health budget pie. More money needs to be invested in the LGH so it can deal with its backlog of elective surgeries, overly busy emergency departments and ambulance ramping. We need to entice specialists like endocrinologists to the North.
It is no secret that hospitalisation rates in Tasmania are increasing, particularly for those aged over 65 years with chronic conditions. We also have an increasing number of cancer patients presenting to the Holman Clinic, with demand for treatment putting stress on our hospitals and health services. The state also sits above the national average for heart disease.
Statewide, an additional $16 million over four years has been allocated to the mental health sector – catering for outreach services, early intervention and referral services as well as the continuation of current services.
A second helicopter will also be operational to help aid medical retrievals at a cost of $9 million. It would be wise to station this second chopper in Launceston to cover the North of the state, to reduce the amount of time injured or sick patients have to wait for treatment.
Understandably, Hobart received the greatest splash of cash in the health sector with $76.6 million for 59 hospital beds and staff and $388.7 million allocated for the Royal Hobart Hospital development. The government allocated an additional $35 million to upgrade the Mersey Hospital, adding to the federal government deal. Given the debate around both the Mersey and RHH, it is hoped this funding is not wasted.