Launceston Chamber of Commerce

May 13 2010

Launceston Chamber calls for Consultation in the North on Local Hospital Network

‘Launceston Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer, Lou Clark said ‘The Launceston Chamber of Commerce supports the calls for Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne and the State Government to consult with stakeholders and the community in Northern Tasmanian on the issue of local hospital networks. The board discussed this issue at length at the Chamber’s monthly board meeting on Wednesday 12th May.'

‘We are of a view that any decision on this issue should not be made quickly and that there does need to be proper consultation with Northern Tasmanian stakeholders and the community. We would like to know the Minister’s thinking on why a single hospital network based in Hobart is the preferred model, what the proposed governance structure would be around such an entity, what powers and functions would any centralised model have and what budget holding capacity would it have?’ she said.

‘If a single network is implemented then although the Minister has stated that the area health services are secure, a single network would severely dilute LGH CEO, John Kirwan’s ability to run the Northern Area Health Service if the Northern Area Health Service does not have budget holding capacity.'

'Since John arrived at the LGH he has been a breath of fresh air and his talent, experience, drive and passion for this region is unquestioned. If the preferred option is a single centralised network then it certainly makes no sense in light of the creation by the Government of the three area health services across the state last year.’

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Posted in: Government, Launceston General Hospital, Press Releases