The Federal Government has committed $240 million to a major upgrade of the Royal Hobart Hospital.

 

Funding for the Royal Hobart Hospital upgrade was part of the agreement with the Independent MPs, subject to the application meeting the Health and Hospitals Fund’s criteria. The independent HHF Advisory Board has since advised the Government that the Hobart application meets the HHF criteria.

Federal Health Minister, Nicola Roxon said the funding would provide the capacity for 195 new overnight beds—a one-third increase—and twelve new operating and procedure rooms.

 

It brings total Federal investment in the Royal to $340 million, after $100 million was committed in 2010 for the construction of a women’s and children’s precinct.

 

Funding for this project was provided for in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) . The Government is currently assessing advice from the HHF Advisory Board on other applications. Other successful projects that are funded by the Government from the HHF regional priority round will be announced in the 2011-12 Budget.

 

Meanwhile, the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Nurses Federation and the Health and Community Services Union have expressed concerns that the Tasmanian Government is planning to slash the operating budget for the Royal Hobart Hospital by $40 million in the forthcoming budget.  Such a cut, they say, would have an immediate impact on hospital waiting times and access to treatment.