The Northern Heart Centre at the Launceston General Hospital has reached a major milestone, with a Development Application for the project submitted to the City of Launceston.
The Australian Government has committed $120 million towards the establishment of the Northern Heart Centre.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the Tasmanian Government is delivering on its commitment for a Northern Heart Centre at the Launceston General Hospital as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
"The Northern Heart Centre is a key part of our recently released Tasmanian Cardiac Strategy, and will be a lifesaving addition to the Launceston General Hospital, which will significantly enhance the cardiac services available for people across North and North West Tasmania," Minister Petrusma said.
"It will provide a new 24-bed cardiac inpatient unit, two cardiac catheterisation labs, and dedicated diagnostic testing and monitoring facilities.
"The project will consolidate and enhance cardiac care services, creating a dedicated cardiac service in one convenient location and enhancing health outcomes for the community.
"Importantly, the Northern Heart Centre will be strategically positioned on the Frankland Street side of the Launceston General Hospital, located between the Northern Integrated Care Services building and the Department of Emergency Medicine, with the entrance from Frankland Street.
"The location of the new building will provide seamless connectivity to areas of the hospital such as the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, and Medical Imaging to ensure efficient, high-quality patient care."
Federal Minister for Health, Mark Butler, said the Albanese Government is investing $120 million to establish the Northern Heart Centre in Launceston.
"More than 4 million Australians, or one in six people, are living with cardiovascular disease," Minister Butler said.
"The Development Application submission is another major step forward to delivering better heart health care for northern Tasmanians.
"When opened, the Northern Heart Centre will provide Tasmanians who have heart disease with the best possible care, while also helping to free up beds at the Launceston General Hospital and take pressure off its emergency department."
A concept design has been developed in consultation with cardiac health service representatives.
The design features dedicated access between the Northern Heart Centre and the Launceston General Hospital, an external screen for sun protection and privacy, and a sheltered area for public drop-off and pick-up.
The project is being delivered as part of the broader Launceston General Hospital Precinct Masterplan.
Tenders for construction of the Northern Heart Centre are expected to be invited in late 2025, and subject to achieving regulatory approvals, construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and be completed in 2029.
