The future funding for the Mersey Community Hospital is in doubt, with figures revealed today showing a shortfall of nearly $100 million.
Shadow Treasurer David O’Byrne said Labor raised concerns about the funding model two years ago, yet the government had done nothing to shore up the hospital’s future funding.
“There is significant risk that the funding provided for the Mersey by the Commonwealth will dry up before the end of the funding period, leaving the future of the hospital in doubt.
“That funding agreement was supposed to provide certainty for the next ten years of operation, but figures confirmed in Government Business Enterprise hearings today indicate the money will run out before then.
“When the funding was announced, then Health Minister Michael Ferguson said:
“This safeguards the future of the hospital and allows us to continue with our much-needed changes and improvements to add a range of new services to the Mersey…”
“Facing a significant funding shortfall, the Mersey can hardly be considered safe.
“Labor has expressed concerns all along that the Liberals had signed Tasmanians up to a dud deal, supported by an investment strategy that replies on unrealistic assumptions.”
Mr O’Byrne said it’s another example of the Liberal Government’s discrimination by postcode.
“For too long the health and medical needs of the North West Coast have been treated in a piecemeal manner, with a heavy reliance on locums.
“The Mersey Hospital has been neglected and understaffed, resulting in the recent closure of the Emergency Department.
“The people of the North West Coast deserve an explanation from the Liberals on what will be done to ensure ongoing funding for the Mersey Hospital.”
David O’Byrne MP
Shadow Treasurer
