Federal health funding injection welcomed
Date:
Fri, 15/06/2012
Spokesperson:
TAS Minister for Health, Michelle O'Byrne
The Minister for Health, Michelle O'Byrne, today welcomed the Federal Government's $325 million funding package for Tasmania's health system.
Ms O'Byrne said the funding would provide a significant injection for the provision of health services across the State.
"I welcome that the Federal Government has recognised Tasmania's special circumstances relating to health funding, and has delivered a package designed to assist the State to meet these challenges.
"I am pleased that I have been able to work with Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek in the provision of this package, and look forward to it delivering real results for Tasmanians."
"This announcement by the Federal Government will help us to confront the unique challenges in the Tasmanian health system including our older and decentralized population.
"This announcement by the Federal Government assists us in the provision of a health system that Tasmanians expect."
"Tasmania's budget pressures have forced us to make tough decisions around elective surgery, and this announcement will allow an additional 650 elective surgery procedures to be conducted every year for the next four years.
"The provision of $22 million for walk-in clinics in Launceston and Hobart will also assist us to reduce the load in emergency departments at both the LGH and RHH."
Ms O'Byrne said the funding did not absolve Tasmania from the need to make the health system more efficient through budget savings.
"The fact is, under national health reforms, Tasmania's health system must become more efficient.
"We welcome the Federal Government's commitment to work with us on an analysis of the true cost of health care provision in Tasmania to enable us to get as close as possible to the national efficient-based price.
"We must be able to deliver services that are in-line with national efficient-based pricing if we are to have a robust health system for the long-term benefit of Tasmanians.
"The State Government is determined to deliver the savings targets we have identified, and we welcome the Federal Government's acknowledgment of this through a requirement for us to maintain our current funding levels," Ms O'Byrne said.
