The delivery of the new Northern Heart Centre at the Launceston General Hospital has taken another important step forward with a $120 million commitment secured from the Australian Government.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmanian Government had committed to Tasmanians that we would build a Northern Heart Centre, and that's exactly what we will do.
"This commitment follows months of advocacy to the Commonwealth Government and will deliver benefits to Northern Tasmanians for generations to come.
"We know that Tasmania has the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in the country, and by bringing these services closer to those who need it most, I am confident lives will be saved."
The Northern Heart Centre will deliver more expert cardiology services from diagnostics to procedures to extra ward beds – giving patients and families the very best care possible.
The Centre will include a new coronary care unit with 16 inpatient cardiac ward beds, and seven coronary care unit beds remaining co-located in the Intensive Care Unit.
It will also have two cardiac cath labs, where common heart treatments are performed or a surgical pathway is determined, plus dedicated recovery and holding bays.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said planning for the new $120 million Centre is already underway.
"This significant investment will improve heart health for Tasmanians in the North and North West and will be a lifesaving addition to the Launceston General Hospital," the Minister said.
"The Heart Centre will allow a fast-track treatment opportunity, where patients can skip the emergency department and go straight to Cath Lab for life-saving treatments.
"We said we would work with the Federal Government on a funding commitment and I am very pleased we have secured this funding after making the case to the Federal Government.
"The Heart Centre is an important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, which is all about taking more action right now on issues affecting Tasmanians, particularly health."
The project is expected to take about five years and will be built at the LGH.
Heart disease is more prevalent in Tasmania than anywhere in Australia, and it is our state's biggest single cause of death.
North West Tasmania has the highest incidence of cardiovascular disease in the country, and chest pain is one of the most common reasons for admission at the LGH, North West Regional Hospital and the Mersey.
