The new state-of-the-art Northern Hospice is another step closer, with the planning approval granted by the City of Launceston and the construction tender now advertised.
The new $20 million hospice, funded by the Australian Government, will be located at the Allambi Building within the Launceston General Hospital precinct, and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the purpose-built hospice and hospice respite facility will provide 12 beds to cater for community members with life-limiting conditions, their families and carers.
"The new hospice will be easily accessible to the community and close to public transport, parking and the Launceston General Hospital's services and staff," Minister Petrusma said.
"The facility is designed to replicate a home-like environment that promotes dignity, access and connectivity to the existing established garden and courtyard that are unique to the Allambi site.
"Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, the Tasmanian Liberal Government is taking action so more Tasmanians can access the right care, at the right place, at the right time, and we are proud to be delivering this important project."
Quotes attributable to Labor Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:
"The Albanese Government welcomes the progress being made relating to the new 12 bed Northern Hospice for Northern Tasmanians," Senator Polley said.
"This is over 17 years in the making after tireless community campaigning, especially from Friends of Northern Hospice's Barb Baker.
"Tasmanians deserve a dedicated hospice in the North of the State where they are supported with their end of life care by specialist nurses.
"I'm proud of the commitment given by the Albanese Labor Government and we are delivering on this community commitment."
The design was developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including Friends of the Northern Hospice, Palliative Care Tasmania and the Northern Consumer and Community Engagement Council.
Existing services at the Allambi Building will be relocated ahead of construction starting. The Department of Health has a preferred location identified for the existing services and is working closely with the landlord of the facility to secure a tenancy.
Construction of the Northern Hospice facility is expected to begin in mid-2025 and be complete in late-2026.
