Question - LGH - Plans for Co-located private hospital

Wednesday 7 August 2024

Launceston General Hospital - Plans for Co-located Private Hospital

Ms ARMITAGE question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

[2.47 p.m.]

With regards to the proposed co-located private hospital with the Launceston General Hospital, noting the withdrawal of Calvary:

(1)     Is it still proposed to be built on the site of the previous Anne O'Byrne Centre that was recently demolished?

(a)     if the answer to (1) is yes, noting that the DA for the new multistorey car park at the Launceston General Hospital has been lodged with commencement due in mid-2025 with completion by late 2026, and that the loss of parking from the current car park will be alleviated by creating a temporary hospital car park at the vacant site of the former Anne O'Byrne building, and having been identified as the best site for the co‑located hospital, what is the timeline for tender and development of a new co-located private hospital at this site?

(b)     if the answer to (1) is no, given that the site of the former Anne O'Byrne building was identified as being the best site for a co‑located hospital, and in the media release of 3 February 2024, the minister for Health, Guy Barnett, stated the government remained committed to partnering with providers to see this project through and that was the reason they were progressing with the demolition of a number of buildings at the LGH to make way for a co-located private hospital, has another site been identified, or is a co-located private hospital off the table for the foreseeable future?

ANSWER

Mr President, I feel quite safe after that.

(a)     The Tasmanian Liberal Government remains committed to supporting a private hospital co-located within the Launceston General. The timing will be dependent upon negotiations with the private sector proponent and the government.

(b)     Following Calvary's withdrawal from the co-located private hospital project, the government commenced a review of the LGH master plan and clinical services planning to determine the best and most efficient use of Anne O'Byrne site and alternative locations that may be better suited for a co-located hospital within the LGH precinct. This work will inform a decision about the most appropriate location for a co-located private hospital.

Ms Armitage - Did we have a timeline as part of my question? Sorry, Mr President.

Mrs HISCUTT - Mr President, that would be dependent upon the negotiations with the private sector proponent. So, it depends.

Ms Armitage - Do you have one?

Mrs HISCUTT - I do not know.