PM Transcripts

FOR M4EDIA 23 OCTOBER 1984
LAUNCESTON GENERAL HOSPITAL
In * accordance with a long-standing-Labor Party commitment,
the Federal Government will meet half the capital cost of the
final stage of development of Launceston General Hospital.
The final stage is estimated to cost up to $ 34 million,
and the Federal Government's contribution has an upper
limit of $ 17 million.
The completion of development of the hospital will overcome
severe difficulties caused by the current separation of
services and facilities on opposite sides of Charles Street.
It will enable the hospital to function at full efficiency,
with greater comfort and convenience for patients and staff.
It will also guarantee that people in the north of Tasmania
will have ample access to high quality hospital facilities
for many years to come.
Renovation work on the Queen' Victoria Hospital will also be
included in the project.
To ensure that Launceston hospital is completed as quickly
as possible, I have proposed to the Tasmanian Premier that
feasibility planning be completed by mid 1985, the design
for construction tender finalised early in 1986, and
construction commenced in mid 1986. This should enable
completion of the hospital by the end of 1.989.
The Federal Government's decision follows consideration of the
recommendations of the joint Commonwealth-State Committee of
Review chaired by Sir Keith Shann, which reported earlier
this year.
The Commonwealth Departments of Health and Housing and
Construction will be members of a joint Commonwealth-State
Steering Committee which will oversight all stages of the
development of the project and will participate in the
selection of the consultants to undertake the initial
feasibility study. -1