Unfortunately, sometimes the root of the issues are overlooked with election commitments due to the desire for parties to win votes. On the other hand, sometimes an election can get the community the win they have been campaigning for over the years.

The reason why health issues, both critical and long-term, are difficult to raise in an election time is because of doubt over the sincerity of the concerns.

Particularly when unions raise concerns, given the link to Labor, the points raised are critiqued for validity.

The optimist would hope no one is willing to play politics with the lives of Tasmanians.

What we do know is that the health system isn't quite operating on all cylinders.

Sometimes this can lead to terrible health outcomes for patients or delayed treatment.

The system is also constantly reacting to health issues, not prevention. We need more funds spent in the preventative sphere. Doing this will ease pressures on the health system in the long term.

But, the focus continues to be on the symptoms rather than the cause. It's the heart attack or skin cancer, and not the lifestyle.

Our health system, particularly in Launceston, has made some major improvements in the past 12 months.

Neurologists have been hired, emergency medicine accreditation was returned to the LGH and the new St Helens District Hospital will open next month.

Later this year the Ward 4K (children's ward) expansion should be complete alongside a dedicated adolescent mental health facility. The latter is long overdue and will be an important addition for health care in the North.

Given health has been firmly on the radar in Tasmania since the election, and before, we must be critical of all complaints, but also not be dismissive.

We should be proud of our system and staff, but also agree that major improvements are needed for the benefit of all Tasmanians.