The delivery of the new Northern Heart Centre at the Launceston General Hospital has taken another step forward with a $120 million commitment from the Australian Government.
“This commitment follows months of advocacy to the Commonwealth Government and will deliver benefits to Northern Tasmanians for generations to come,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff 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 include a new coronary care unit with 16 inpatient cardiac ward beds, and seven coronary care unit beds remaining co-located in the Intensive Care Unit.
It will also have two cardiac cath labs, where common heart treatments are performed or a surgical pathway is determined, plus dedicated recovery and holding bays.
Health Minister Guy Barnett said planning for the new $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.
“We said we would work with the Federal Government on a funding commitment and I am very pleased we have secured this funding after making the case to the Federal Government.
The project is expected to take about five years.
Heart disease is Tasmania’s biggest single cause of death.
North West Tasmania has the highest incidence of cardiovascular disease in the country, and chest pain is one of the most common reasons for admission at the LGH, North West Regional Hospital and the Mersey.
