31 October 2023
Guy Barnett,
Minister for Health
The Rockliff Liberal Government is building the health system Tasmanians need and deserve.
Minister for Health, Guy Barnett, said we are supporting our healthcare workers, driving better care and delivering the best possible outcomes for patients in Tasmania.
“Our Government is focussed on investing in innovative services to ensure Tasmanians get the healthcare they need, including through the Medicare Urgent Care Clinics,” Minister Barnett
“Last week we launched the second Urgent Care Clinic in Hobart and the third for Tasmania.
“These innovative centres have already seen about 3000 Tasmanian patients, and through additional funding from the Rockliff Liberal Government, we will be able to open a fourth centre in Devonport.”
Access to timely, affordable primary healthcare is so important which is why Minister Barnett is working closely with the Federal Government to ensure it provides the necessary support and investment in primary healthcare.
The Rockliff Liberal Government is also delivering the infrastructure our dedicated paramedics and volunteers need to provide critical services to their communities.
“I was proud to visit the new $2.7 million ambulance station in Queenstown last week which is nearing completion and on Sunday I toured the recently completed $1.9 million Beaconsfield Ambulance,” Minister Barnett said.
“These are critical infrastructure projects are crucial for our health system and help support our economy by supporting local jobs.
“These stations are part of the six new rural and regional stations our Government is delivering across the State.
“The new station at Bridgewater is operational, and further stations are planned for Oatlands, Bicheno and Longford.”
Over the past 12 months, we have invested significantly in the health system, and some of these key achievements are outlined in the Department of Health Annual Report, including:
- Performed more than 21 000 elective surgeries last financial year, an all-time record;
- More than 5 900 triple zero calls diverted into alternative care;
- Delivering child safeguarding training to 15 500 employees across the Department and Tasmanian Health Service; and
- Over 1500 mental health emergency response calls assessed and importantly, we saw 75 percent remain in the community.
The Rockliff Liberal Government is doing what matters for Tasmanians including by investing more than $8 million into the health system every day.
Minister Barnett thanked the hardworking healthcare workforce for their dedication to the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians.
