A new Northern Heart Centre at the Launceston General Hospital will be built, the state government says, thanks to the confirmed commitment of $120 million from the Australian Government.
The announcement comes after a barrage of accusations from Labor, which claimed the Liberals broke an election promise by failing to include the funding in the state budget.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government has remained committed to building the centre through the election and budget process.
“This commitment follows months of advocacy to the Commonwealth Government and will deliver benefits to Northern Tasmanians for generations to come,” he said.
“We know that Tasmania has the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in the country, and by bringing these services closer to those who need it most, I am confident lives will be saved.”
The centre will offer a range of services, including diagnostics, procedures and extra ward beds, providing patients and families with “the very best care possible”.
It will feature a new coronary care unit with 16 inpatient cardiac ward beds and seven coronary care unit beds co-located in the Intensive Care Unit.
Two cardiac cath labs, where common heart treatments are performed or a surgical pathway is determined, will also be built, along with dedicated recovery and holding bays.
Health Minister Guy Barnett said planning for the $120 million centre is already underway.
“This significant investment will improve heart health for Tasmanians in the north and north-west and will be a lifesaving addition to the Launceston General Hospital,” he said.
“The Heart Centre will allow a fast-track treatment opportunity, where patients can skip the emergency department and go straight to Cath Lab for life-saving treatments.”
The project is expected to take around five years to be completed.
