Dear subscribers,
As The Examiner's health reporter, I am often confronted with the personal stories of those in the community, and their experiences with our hospitals. Sadly, not all of them are good.
It's no secret that our public health system is under immense pressure. And, with an ageing population and rising rates of chronic illness, it's not going to better any time soon.
But there are opportunities to reduce this burden. Calvary Healthcare's unsolicited bid for a private co-located hospital in Launceston is just one example.
Over the next five weeks, The Examiner will be deep diving into what this proposal could mean for Northern Tasmanians, and what the future of healthcare services looks like more broadly.
We also want to generate a discussion. But to do this we need your help.
As it is more than a third of a state budget already goes to health. Government after government proudly boast "unprecedented funding", but where has it gotten us?
Calvary's proposal presents a once in a generational opportunity to fundamentally change the way health services are delivered in Launceston.
But, three years on from it being put to the government, little to no new details have emerged around what this development could look like.
Now, stakeholders are taking matters into their own hands.
In December, StLukesHealth reached out to members through an online survey to gauge their expectations of what a co-located hospital in Launceston could look like, and how it could help address existing shortfalls between the public and private systems.
On Saturday we launched our latest series "Critical Condition" - taking a closer look at what more than 1300 people had to to say, and what they would like to see done.
But now we want to hear from you.
In the latest instalment, we can reveal the first look at the Launceston General Hospital masterplan - a critical document aimed at setting out the next 50 years of health service delivery in the North.
In a meeting paper obtained by The Examiner, the THS Executive North lays out the draft findings, including the recommendations of a four-stage redevelopment plan.
You can find the story here, along with a survey where you can have your say on the future of health in Northern Tasmania.
In the meantime, if you want a question answered, or an issue examined, please get in touch with me at jessica.willard@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Cheers,
Jessica Willard
