The Tasmanian Government has secured support from the Federal Government for two vital infrastructure projects that will provide an additional 12 aged care beds across two regional health facilities in Tasmania.
Earlier this year the Australian Government announced that redevelopment projects at the West Coast District Hospital and Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre were successful recipients of funding through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP).
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the funding agreement is now in place and planning for both projects will begin immediately.
"The Tasmanian Government is committed to ensuring Tasmanians receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future," Minister Petrusma said.
"It is important that community members who reside in rural and regional areas have the opportunity to access residential aged care services without having to move away from their support networks.
"The Tasmanian Government looks forward to working with the Australian Government to deliver these vital infrastructure projects to benefit communities in regional Tasmania."
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said the Australian Government is investing in aged care at record levels to support a sustainable sector delivering high-quality care that older people can access when and where they need it.
"This funding from the Australian Government will deliver more residential care beds so that older Tasmanians can access aged care services in the communities they know and love," Minister Butler said.
"I look forward to working with the Tasmanian Government to see these valuable projects come to fruition."
Funding of $5,741,000 will be provided for Stage 2 of the redevelopment of the West Coast District Hospital in Queenstown, which includes the provision of an additional four aged care beds and associated supporting spaces.
Works on Stage 1 of the West Coast District Hospital redevelopment have been completed and were jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Community Health and Hospitals Program and the Tasmanian Government.
Stage 1 provided an additional aged care bed as well as improvements to the emergency department.
Stage 1 of the Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre redevelopment at Oatlands recently opened and delivered a contemporary aged care residential wing with eight bedrooms.
ACCAP funding of $3,874,000 will be provided for Stage 2 of the redevelopment of the Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre, which will provide an additional eight aged care beds and supporting spaces.
