Health Minister Michael Ferguson says the new Government will fund, as promised, an independent feasibility study into the establishment of a purpose-built hospice facility for Northern Tasmania.
The last review of palliative care was a decade ago and a new plan for statewide best practice services is needed. That study will look at innovative community based hospice models that operate elsewhere, and provide the highest quality end of life care for those with advanced, life-threatening illnesses who are not able to, or choose not to, die at home.
The tender advertised two weeks ago is not for new or extra beds, but instead a new contract for the existing four palliative care beds.
I will be discussing the recent tender – advertised during the caretaker period – with the department’s secretary Matthew Daly.
