There are so many major needs in health that should be the government’s priority – not a billion-dollar Hobart stadium. That’s why I’m proud to announce the Greens’ plan for three crucial health services in northern Tasmania:
- $19.5 million to support the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation to develop a new Health Education and Research Centre in Launceston
- $4 million to expand the capacity of the new renal unit planned for Kings Meadows to 24 chairs (up from 18)
- $3 million annually to expand radiology and pathology services at the LGH to operate on-site 24/7
For nine years southern Tasmania has benefited from a Health Education and Research Centre – a facility that helps attract, train, and retain nurses. It’s beyond time the state’s north was afforded the same opportunity.
Providing an important new pathway into the nursing profession in northern Tasmania would undoubtedly help ease the strain on the existing workforce – and as someone who has worked on the ground as a nurse in Tasmania, I cannot stress enough how critical this is. The ANMF has been requesting government support for this proposal for a long time, but unfortunately so far has not received support from either the Liberals or Labor.
The ANMF has made it clear that another key priority for northern Tasmania is expanding diagnostic services at the LGH to operate on-site 24/7. The previous Health Minister promised Stella Jennings – whose mother died at the hospital due to a failure in the current on-call services – this would be done, before reneging on his commitment. The Greens are proud to support this essential measure, and we call on all other candidates to get on board.
Expanding the capacity of the new renal unit that is set to be built in Kings Meadows is crucial. Given the government are already doing a redevelopment, why not make sure it actually delivers what the community needs? Having another six chairs won’t cost much, but it will make a huge difference to everyone that relies on this facility.
We know from patients and staff these are critically important measures for healthcare in Launceston and all of northern Tasmania. With a new government and the Greens in balance of power, we’ll fight to stop the stadium and to fund the health services our community needs and deserves.
