The State Government has pledged funding for extra paramedics in the state’s north-west and new helipads, and says it will retain a 24-hour emergency service at the Mersey Community Hospital as part of its health reforms.
Health Minister Michael Ferguson said 12 new paramedics would be employed in Devonport as part of a $24 million fund to improve patient transport.
Helipads would also be built at both the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie and the Mersey Community Hospital in Latrobe.
Mr Ferguson faced a community meeting in Devonport last month where residents expressed concerns about plans to turn the Mersey hospital into a dedicated day surgery centre, and a perceived downgrade of its emergency department.
Mr Ferguson confirmed the emergency department would remain open 24 hours a day.
“Improved coordination and delivery of emergency care for trauma cases and critically-ill patients will be a key focus for our patient transport investment,” he said.
“Patients who have been critically injured in a road accident or other accidents, premature babies and other critically ill patients often need to be transferred to a higher level facility.
“Significantly enhancing emergency transport on the North West to ensure faster access to the state’s highest level trauma and intensive care facilities is a major element of the white paper.”
Mr Ferguson emphasised Mersey hospital would remain an important part of the state’s health system.
“With a 24-hour emergency department, a range of new specialist services such as rehabilitation, geriatrics, pain management and neurology, and a dedicated statewide elective surgery centre, the Mersey will be entrenched as an essential part of the statewide health system,” he said.
The State Government is expected to release its health white paper within days.