A public consultation process has been opened  on a draft bill to set up three Tasmanian Health Organisations (THO),  local hospital networks which are being delivered under the National Health Reform.

 

The Minister for Health, Michelle O’Byrne, said the new legislation would establish the functions and powers of the THOs, their Governing Councils and Chief Executive Officers.

 

It will also provide for the appointment of Governing Council members and set out the corporate governance requirements.

 

“THOs will be the service providers and direct managers of public hospital services and they will be directly accountable to the State Government and Parliament for hospital and health service performance,” she said.

 

Ms O’Byrne said the new bodies were called THOs because they would be focused on the health needs of the entire population in their geographical region, and reflects the intention to have integrated health systems across hospitals, primary care and aged care.

 

The Department of Health and Human Services has already conducted targeted consultation on the draft bill with key stakeholders.

 

The Tasmanian community is now being invited to provide comment on the legislation prior to it being presented to Parliament.

 

Information sessions will be held in each region:

  • North West, 25 August, 10.00-11.30 am Mersey Community Hospital and 12.30-2.00pm North West Regional Hospital.
  • North, 23 August, 3.30-5.00pm, Launceston General Hospital.
  • South, 17 August, 3.00-4.30pm, Royal Hobart Hospital.

The draft legislation and further information is available on the health reform website at www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/healthreform

 

Public comments are being accepted up until 6 September and can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or posted to GPO Box 44, Hobart TAS 7001.