I note the formation of the so-called “Save the Royal” campaign – saving the Royal Hobart Hospital is exactly what the Hodgman Liberal Government has done after Labor and the Greens failed to deliver on it.
We are progressing the $689 million redevelopment which will provide additional capacity for 250 beds to meet demand well into the future.
Additional surgical and clinical services will also be provided in safer, more modern surroundings.
New features will include an additional seven operating and procedure rooms and, for the first time, a helipad on the roof will allow for faster emergency care.
In the past month we have safely undertaken one of the major components of the redevelopment, decanting B-Block for its demolition and moving all the patients and services into J-Block. This will pave the way for the new 10-storey K-Block.
In the meantime we have managed to keep the same number of physical beds.
We will open more flex beds as needed, with the RHH currently assessing the feasibility of refurbishing and refitting areas previously used as hospital wards.
A major hospital redevelopment is no easy task however the safety of patients, staff and construction workers is our number one priority.
The Hodgman Government is committed to getting on with the job and delivering Tasmanians the state of the art health facility they deserve.
