Growing up on a farm, I understand Tasmanians living in regional areas want peace of mind that health care for you or a loved one is not far away.
I am pleased to be at the Campbell Town Community Health Centre today to share that a Labor Government would make this happen by expanding services at 18 of the state's rural and regional hospitals under our Right Priorities Plan.
Campbell Town Community Health Centre currently offers six acute beds and 20 aged care beds, often taking cases from the Launceston General Hospital. But unfortunately, the hospital has not had a local doctor since January this year.
Labor's plan would see a rural generalist and nurse practitioners employed at the centre, which would also be able to apply for upgrades through our dedicated $60 million regional health infrastructure fund to upgrade infrastructure such as consultation rooms, IT equipment, x-ray and ECG machines.
This will mean people who live as far as Rossarden and Epping Forest can receive care closer to home.
We know that our health workers are the heart and soul of our health system and that is why our regional health policy to increase the presence of rural generalists and nurse practitioners extends to 18 facilities across the state.
A Labor Government is committed to health workforce development and to address issues with recruitment and retention we have backed in this policy with a promise to pay the HECS debt of 150 workers who agree to work in regional areas of Tasmania for three years.
In addition to helping regional communities, this investment in our district hospitals and primary care will ease the pressure on our emergency departments around the state, reduce bed block and ambulance ramping.
Only Labor has a positive plan to address the health crisis and we would act immediately to support those living in rural and regional Tasmania.
Labor's Right Priorities Plan is available here
Rebecca White MP
Tasmanian Labor Leader
