The Tasmanian Minister for Health, Michelle O’Byrne, has confirmed the state government’s decision to establish three Local Hospital Networks.

 

The Tasmanian Government had approved the model in December, but then decided to consider a single central model to ease pressure on the budget, due to be released today.

 

Ms O’Byrne said that having considered the most appropriate structure for Local Hospital Networks in Tasmania, the government was “satisfied that three Networks is the best model for the overall delivery of services to the community.”

 

“We are confident that three Local Hospital Networks will build on the early success of the three Area Health Services and lead to improved patient experiences.”

 

Ms O’Byrne said the three Local Hospital Networks would continue to operate as part of an integrated Tasmanian Health Network.

 

“The Tasmanian Health Plan will continue to underpin the way in which health services are delivered in Tasmania in order to allocate resources in the most efficient way possible. This will also eliminate duplication and ensure the continued delivery of quality, safe and sustainable services.”

 

“Given the budget situation, we will continue to work hard to identify efficiencies and make returns within the entire health system to make sure it is sustainable into the future,” Ms O’Byrne said.

 

Local Hospital Networks are a key component of the Federal government health reform agenda. Networks will be made up of a small group of hospitals that will work together to provide a range of hospital services and manage their own budgets. They will be paid directly by the Australian Government for each public hospital service they provide.

 

In capital cities, Local Hospital Networks will be built around large tertiary or specialist hospitals. In regional and remote areas, networks will be built around large regional hospitals.

 

Ms O’Byrne said the Government will now develop the legislation to ensure that by 1 July 2012 Tasmania is ready to take advantage of the National Health Reform agenda.