As a mum with a young family living in rural Tasmania, I understand the importance of all Tasmanians having access to quality healthcare close to where they live.
Today, I am joined by Frank Giles, who was involved in a farming accident five years ago. If it wasn't for the fast-thinking actions of workers at the St Marys Community Heath Centre then, he might not be here today.
Unfortunately, like many regional hospitals across the state, the future of the St Marys Community Health Centre is in doubt.
It is vital that our regional hospitals and health centres are well resourced so that people, like Frank who had an unfortunate incident with a butchers knife, can access their services in their time of need.
That's why I am making the pledge that a Labor Government will ensure that the St Marys Community Health Centre remains open under our leadership.
The pledge comes as part of Labor's Right Priorities Plan, which will see an additional 215 health workers employed statewide including 18 rural generalists and 90 nurse practitioners.
Too often we see towns relying on the dedication and goodwill of one GP. Labor's plan will create multidisciplinary teams of doctors and nurse practitioners, alongside allied health professionals, registered and enrolled nurses to expand the services available in regional Tasmania, and will be supported by a $60 million regional hospital infrastructure fund.
In addition to making sure Tasmanians can access healthcare closer to where they live, Labor's plan will also ease pressure on Tasmania's major hospitals by reducing avoidable presentations.
Labor's Right Priorities Plan is available here
The regional health policies announced under Labor's Right Priorities Plan will cost $98.9 million, and will be funded by a $120 million saving made by freezing consultant spending at 2020 levels and reducing unnecessary government travel through increased use of technology.
Rebecca White MP
Tasmanian Labor Leader
