Impact of Heads of Agreement for Mersey Hospital funding

Mrs Armitage (Launceston) to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government -

With reference to the Department of Treasury and Finance Revised Estimates Report 2014-2015 (including December Quarterly Report) page 27 - Mersey Hospital Funding -

In 2014-15, the Australian Government has only committed to a 12 month extension to the Heads of Agreement to 30 June 2015. The movement away from a three-year agreement for the Mersey Hospital creates a level of uncertainty as to future funding arrangements -

Can the Government explain what the impact on THO-North and THO-North-West, or the new THS would be if the agreement is not signed and the current funding ceased on 30 June 2015?

Answer:

Whilst the current Heads of Agreement expires on 30 June 2015, the State Government has been in negotiations with the Australian Government to ensure that there is a strong and secure future for the Mersey. The Mersey plays a key role as part of the Tasmanian health and hospital system. This was evidenced in the Exposure Draft of the White Paper on Delivering Safe and Sustainable Clinical Services, which was released last week and outlined the future role of the Mersey as a centre for excellence in 23 hour surgery. The Tasmanian Government is committed to a sustainable Mersey Community Hospital, and I expect that I will be able to make an announcement with the Federal Minister for Health Hon Sussan Ley MP regarding this matter in the coming weeks.

Answer supplied May 27, 2015