Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Health
I'd like to thank the clinicians and health representatives who joined the Health Secretary and I today to discuss ideas and solutions to address increasing demand on our health system.
Today was about listening to those around the table, because it is by taking a collaborative, solutions-based approach that we are best able to address the health challenges Tasmania is facing – something that is also being experienced Australia-wide.
It was a constructive meeting with a lot of goodwill in the room. I appreciated the frankness and willingness of those present to contribute ideas which largely aligned with strategies already being looked at or underway such as the streamlining of processes across our hospitals to create better patient flow, governance improvements, incentives to both attract and retain staff and exploring alternative pathways to care. We have committed to exploring any new ideas presented and continuing to keep the lines of communication open.
Our Hospital Bed Plan to permanently increase capacity is another important part of our approach to meeting increasing demand, while our Health Staff Recruitment Taskforce will meet for the first time on June 16, bringing together a range of stakeholders to look at strategies to support a more stable and permanent workforce.
Over the past week, I have spoken with staff at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, North West Regional Hospital, Mersey Community Hospital and Ambulance Tasmania to hear first-hand about their experiences and I have also met with unions that represent our health workforce.
The dedication our hardworking health professionals and staff have for their patients is abundantly clear, and as Tasmania's new Health Minister, I would again like to acknowledge the incredible work they do every day in a challenging and often stressful work environment.
We all understand the significant issues there are in health with increasing demand for services. What is important is we work collaboratively together on implementing solutions.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is determined to continue working with clinicians, nurses, health professionals and stakeholders to ensure Tasmania's health system is the best it can be, so that patients get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
