With the budget back on track the Hodgman Liberal Government is reinvesting in essential services such as health, and this will be reflected in the 2016-17 state budget.
I am pleased to announce today that our strong investment in health will include nearly $8 million to upgrade the 4K children’s ward at the Launceston General Hospital.
With Xavier and mum Rebecca in Ward 4K
The much-needed redevelopment of the paediatric ward will be the first major work on the area since it was built more than 30 years ago.
The project will see ward 4K both upgraded and expanded, ensuring it is able to meet the clinical needs of acutely ill children as well as provide a much better environment for recovery.
For the first time the ward will have a purpose-built High Dependency Unit for the care of acutely unwell children.
Additional space developed for the ward will allow for the separation of younger children and teenagers, with facilities more appropriate for their care needs.
In line with our Rethink Mental Health plan, the upgrade will also incorporate specialist facilities for child and adolescent mental health patients for the first time to meet best practice.
Included in the redevelopment project will be more single rooms and isolation areas for better infection control. All rooms will have ensuite bathrooms.
A family area with lounge and kitchen will provide a more home like and welcoming environment for families and visitors bearing in mind the enormous contribution that families make toward children’s care.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is reforming our health system to deliver better health services for everyone, including our youngest patients.
