A Labor Government will act immediately to address the health crisis by investing $98.9 million in a regional healthcare package.
Under Labor’s Right Priorities Plan, Labor would get to work on upgrading and expanding services to the state’s 18 regional hospitals and health facilities, employing more than 200 workers in the process.
Labor understands that access to healthcare in rural and regional areas is challenging.
With almost 50 per cent of rural or regionally based Tasmanian adults having three or more chronic health conditions, it is vital that people receive care close to home.
Working collaboratively with our regional communities, Labor would invest $60 million into local hospital infrastructure to upgrade consultation rooms or purchase equipment like x-rays or ultrasounds.
A Labor government would also, within the next four years, invest $28.4 million to employ more than 200 additional staff – including nurse practitioners, nurses, rural generalists, allied health providers and support positions – across the regional health system.
Labor would also pay the university HELP debt of 150 of these positions through a $3 million fund for those who work for three or more years in a regional health facility.
We would further support training by investing $1 million in the Rural Medical Workforce Centre at the Mersey Community Hospital, expanding the program to include nurse practitioners and allied health professionals.
Under Labor’s Right Priorities Plan, $3.5 million will be allocated to employ 21 new paramedics. This will enable the ambulance stations at Smithton, Queenstown, Nubeena, Bridport, Swansea and Oatlands to be upgraded to double branch stations, staffed 24/7 by permanent paramedics.
A further $3 million will be provided for minor upgrades as required at the six stations.
Labor’s Right Priorities Plan will take pressure off the state’s four main hospitals and their emergency departments, while alleviating bed block and ambulance ramping.
After a decade of Liberal Government neglect, Labor would get to work on addressing the health crisis.
Rebecca White MP
Tasmanian Labor Leader
Anita
Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Health