A re-elected majority Liberal Government will deliver a new lifesaving Northern Heart Centre at the Launceston General Hospital.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future was all about taking more action right now on issues affecting Tasmanians, particularly health.

“The statistics on heart disease in Tasmania are devastating” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.

“Heart disease is more prevalent in Tasmania than anywhere in Australia and it is our state’s biggest single cause of death.

“In fact, North West Tasmania has the highest incidence of cardiovascular disease in the country, and chest pain is one of the most common reasons for admission at the LGH, NWRH and the Mersey.

“But it is the people behind each statistic that my Government is concerned by, and that’s why we are going to build a new Northern Heart Centre.

“This will be a lifesaving addition to the Launceston General Hospital, for Northern and North West Tasmanians especially.

“This Heart Centre will deliver more expert cardiology services from diagnostics, to procedures to extra ward beds – giving patients and families the very best care possible.

“We have a 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and will continue to invest in the capital works Tasmania’s health system needs.”

Minister for Health, Guy Barnett, said the Heart Centre would save lives.

“The Heart Centre will include a new coronary care unit with 16 inpatient cardiac ward beds, and seven coronary care unit beds remaining co-located in the Intensive Care Unit.

“It will also have two cardiac cath labs, where common heart treatments are performed or a surgical pathway is determined, plus dedicated recovery and holding bays.

“Importantly, this will allow a fast-track treatment opportunity, where patients can skip the emergency department and go straight to Cath Lab for life saving treatments.

“We’ll also boost diagnostic testing, with five echocardiogram testing rooms to check heart function and identify disease, one exercise testing room and six outpatient consulting rooms.

“From diagnosis, to treatment and everything after, we are boosting the level of health care for Tasmanians with heart disease every step of the way.

“While Labor shut wards, sacked nurses and cut the health budget, our Government has a strong record of building new wards, hiring more doctors and nurses, and investing a record amount in health.”

The cost of this policy is: $120 million over five years.