The Commission on Delivery of Health Services in Tasmania has handed down its first preliminary report into the improvement of the delivery of health services in the state.

The Commission’s report outlines early opportunities for structural and system improvement across the state’s health system, while highlighting suggesting raised by the community and sets out the direction for the Commission in 2013.

"This preliminary report is a first step towards improving access to health care for Tasmanian patients," Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said.

"It lays the foundations for future work on redesigning Tasmania's health system to ensure Tasmanian patients receive the right treatment in the most appropriate setting."

Key recommendations of the report include:

  • Improving health services for patients by ensuring front line services are provided as efficiently as possible.
  • Improving the management of elective surgery to reduce waiting lists for patients.
  • Improving the coordination and effectiveness of hospital and health service management.
  • Supporting doctors, nurses and other health care providers with improved information and communication technology.

The Commission was set up in September 2012 to monitor implementation of the Australian Government's $325 million Tasmanian Health Assistance Package.

It was also asked to provide independent advice to the Australian and Tasmanian governments on how to redesign the state's health services to help better manage current and future pressures.

The preliminary report can be accessed via the Commission's website at www.tasmaniahealthcommission.gov.au