The Tasmanian Government has secured an agreement which will see the Beaconsfield Family Medical Practice provide support for the Beaconsfield District Hospital's four sub-acute beds.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said it was good news for the Northern Tasmanian community, and that it would enable more patients to access care out of hospital in a community environment.
"I'm very pleased that Dr Reddy and his team at Beaconsfield Family Medical Practice have reached an agreement that has enabled Beaconsfield District Hospital's four sub-acute beds to come online this week," Minister Barnett said.
"Doctors at the practice will work together with the Tasmanian Health Service team at the district hospital to support patients who are not well enough to be in their usual residence but do not require hospital-level care.
"This includes patients who are medically well enough to be discharged from the Launceston General Hospital – but not ready to go home – to continue their recovery in a community environment.
"Utilising sub-acute capacity in our district hospitals in this way supports patient access, flow and timely care in our major hospitals by helping to make acute beds available for the most unwell patients.
"These beds are an important resource for health services in Northern Tasmania as we continue to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future."
Provision of medical services for Beaconsfield District Hospital's sub-acute beds ceased last year when Exeter Medical Practice withdrew its services.
Beaconsfield District Hospital's 18 aged care beds and other community health services have continued unaffected during this period.
