Govts committed to working together on services for north-west Tas

The Australian and Tasmanian governments are committed to working together on improving health services for people in the north-west of Tasmania, including at the Mersey Hospital.

“The Rudd Government understands how important health is to the people of north-west Tasmania,” said Commonwealth Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon.

“We have committed an additional $50 million to improve healthcare services in Tasmania, focused on the north and north-west.

“We’re also committed to honouring the Mersey Hospital Heads of Agreement signed by the previous government. We look forward to working closely with Sid Sidebottom and the local community to provide a safe and sustainable hospital service in Devonport.

Ms Roxon announced last week that the Commonwealth Government would commission an independent analysis on the feasibility and safety of providing critical care services at the hospital.

“I’m looking forward to working with Lara Giddings and local MP Sid Sidebottom to get on with the job of providing good quality services for the north-west.

“Sid and I will also be working hard with the dedicated staff and management at the Mersey to provide safe and sustainable services for people in the Mersey and greater north-west regions.”

Tasmanian Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, said that enhanced cooperation between the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments had the potential to enhance hospital services for the benefit of people across the north-west.

“We welcome the additional funding committed by the Commonwealth, which is in line with our clinical services plan for the north-west, and for Tasmania,” Ms Giddings said.

“We are keen to ensure the Mersey Hospital is used effectively as part of an integrated hospital service across the North-West.”