A $120 million cardiac centre with 24 inpatient beds, two catheterisation laboratories and new diagnostic equipment is set for northern Tasmania after tenders opened on Saturday.
The Northern Heart Centre will be built on the Frankland Street side of the Launceston General Hospital, next to the Northern Integrated Care Services building.
The facility is fully funded by the federal government and forms part of the broader LGH Precinct Masterplan.
“The Albanese Labor government’s $120 million investment will make a real difference to how Tasmanians access cardiac care, supporting earlier diagnosis and more timely treatment,” assistant federal health and aged care minister Rebecca White said.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said construction was expected to begin later this year, pending approvals, with completion due in late 2029.
“This will be a real game changer for cardiac care here in northern Tasmania,” she said.
The centre will include 16 cardiac ward beds and seven coronary care unit beds, co-located with the hospital’s intensive care unit, as well as two catheterisation laboratories with recovery and holding bays.
Patients requiring certain procedures will be able to bypass the emergency department and go directly to the catheterisation labs.
Tasmania has the highest rate of cardiovascular disease in the country and the community has long called for improved specialist services, Archer said.
“We have lobbied very hard for a long time to achieve this for northern Tasmania and this is an important step forward today,” she said.
Archer said the facility would support existing cardiologists and cardiac technicians in Launceston while also attracting new specialists to the region.
“This will be a real boost to healthcare here in the north and will be a significant attractor for staff to come and work in this area as well,” she said.
