This is worth highlighting because the good stories can get missed or quickly forgotten among the criticism of our health system.

In the past 12 months, The Examiner has placed a greater emphasis on preventative health.

This is through a series examining areas of improvement, focusing on the budget and what has been allocated to Tasmanian preventative health initiatives and promoting community-led programs and events like the recent women’s 5k in Launceston or the upcoming Run & Walk For Your Heart on Sunday.

These stories go hand-in-hand with the daily operations of our health system.

Now, it’s important to note that there are areas of much-needed improvement, in particular with mental health services in Northern Tasmania.

But, credit must also be given when it is due.

Back in June, a survey revealed the Launceston General Hospital had passed 199 of the 209 core areas for general accreditation.

And it was great to hear on Thursday that the LGH had the final 10 areas ticked off.

One surveyor commented that the LGH was one of the cleanest hospitals in Australia.

This is a fabulous recognition of the hard-working staff at the hospital. Many of whom simply get on with their jobs. Vital jobs that few would envy.

On Thursday, media was also given an update on the developments for Ward 4K. This is a significant investment at the LGH, which will provide a health precinct for women and children.

Health being a priority to the public is as a constant as the sky is blue. This is why good news stories are always well received by readers. 

The upgrades and general accreditation are all steps in the right direction to ensuring we have the health system Tasmanians deserve.