Launceston General Hospital masterplan will 'be ready to release shortly'

Aimed at guiding the development of the hospital over the next two decades, the masterplan aims to sett out how the remainder of $87.3 million in funds will be allocated out to 2024.

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Last month, a leaked meeting paper obtained by The Examiner from the Tasmania Health Service Northern Executive outlined the key findings of the draft masterplan and recommendations for the endorsement of a four-stage redevelopment.

This included the design and construction of a new mental health services precinct on the existing Anne O'Byrne site, and a new tower on the hospital's Northside site to be used as an in-patient and out-patient precinct.

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Expected to be handed over to the government in late February and then released for public consultation in March, Health Minister Sarah Courtney confirmed the masterplan would "be ready to release shortly".

"There will be a number of opportunities for our staff, stakeholders and the community to provide feedback following its release, including public forums," she said.

"It is crucial that the masterplan is aligned with the vision and feedback provided by the community."

Ms Courtney said she was excited about the opportunities outlined in the strategy, including facilities for maternity and mental health services, along with increasing the number of negative pressure rooms.

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Stage one of the proposed works, commencing in 2021/22 and outlined by the THS Executive North, also identified interim priority works including upgrades to the hospital's emergency department airlock - the area where patients are brought into the hospital ED from an ambulance.

The scope of the project - something unions have been requesting for years to help improve access block in the hospital - is estimated to cost about $2 million.

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Ms Courtney said increasing inpatient space at the LGH was a priority of the government, "because we know that we need to build more space to deliver care, improve patient flow and take pressure off the ED".

The first two stages of the hospital's women's and children's precinct have been completed, with the final stage of Ward 4K works to be finalised in July.

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