Planning has commenced to deliver a new $15 million Public Diagnostic Breast Care Centre in Hobart, which was a key commitment of the Tasmanian Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
Announcing the new site today, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said the Government was delivering on its commitment to establish the vital service, which will accept patient referrals from general practitioners, improving access to imaging for Tasmanians.
"The new centre will be located at Level 8 of the Liverpool St Clinics, with planning well underway as we work towards delivering the service by the end of 2025," Minister Barnett said.
"This new service will increase capacity, reduce wait times and ease the financial impact on Tasmanians requiring these services.
"It will make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians, addressing the issue that GP-referred diagnostic imaging is currently only available in the private sector.
"The service will be a 'one-stop shop' providing a multi-disciplinary team approach to treatment – involving and supporting patients in decisions about their care.
"As per our 100 day plan, planning has commenced and the project team has been set up for this new public Centre.
"Engagement of the lead architect is in progress, with design planning to start by the end of June.
"Delivering better healthcare for all Tasmanians is something we are working incredibly hard to deliver under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future."
Minister for Women, Madeleine Ogilvie, said that this facility would make an enormous difference for Tasmanian women.
"We recognise the growing need to meet demand for these services, through the establishment of this new Public Diagnostic Breast Care Centre we are enabling greater access to thousands of Tasmanian women," Minister Ogilvie said.
"I am incredibly pleased that we have acted swiftly to get this facility established, providing the vital healthcare that Tasmanian women need sooner."
Full design work is expected to be completed by late November 2024, with a public tender planned to be advertised by December 2024 to engage the construction contractor.
