The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has applauded the Albanese Government’s commitment of $6 million to ensure access to essential maternity services for expectant mothers and babies in Hobart, Tasmania.
The funding is for infrastructure and equipment upgrades in the Tasmanian Health Service and at Calvary Lenah Valley as well as the establishment of a community Mother and Baby Unit for Southern Tasmania. It comes after Healthscope's decision to stop providing private maternity services in Hobart from August.
RACGP Tasmania Chair Dr Toby Gardner welcomed the funding.
“I applaud the Albanese Government for its commitment to funding important upgrades to local health services to ensure expectant and new mums can access the care they and their babies need,” he said.
“The RACGP has been calling for government funding to ensure access to essential maternity care in Hobart since the St Helen’s Private Hospital was also closed by Healthscope in June of 2023, leaving Tasmania as the only state without a dedicated residential facility.
“This will help ensure the significant demand for these services in the area is met and that families can make the best possible start in life.”