City of Launceston Council has granted planning approval for a new $20 million state-of-the-art Northern Hospice within the Launceston General Hospital precinct.
A construction tender for the project is now being advertised.
The new facility, funded by the Australian Government, will be located at the Allambi Building within the hospital precinct, and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma said the purpose-built hospice and hospice respite facility will provide 12 beds to cater for community members with life-limiting conditions, their families and carers.
“The new hospice will be easily accessible to the community and close to public transport, parking and the Launceston General Hospital’s services and staff,” Minister Petrusma said.
“The facility is designed to replicate a home-like environment that promotes dignity, access and connectivity to the existing established garden and courtyard that are unique to the Allambi site.
“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, the Tasmanian Liberal Government is taking action so more Tasmanians can access the right care, at the right place, at the right time, and we are proud to be delivering this important project.”
Labor Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley said the Federal Government welcomed the progress of the project.
“This is over 17 years in the making after tireless community campaigning, especially from Friends of Northern Hospice’s Barb Baker,” she said.
“Tasmanians deserve a dedicated hospice in the North of the State where they are supported with their end of life care by specialist nurses.
“I’m proud of the commitment given by the Albanese Labor Government and we are delivering on this community commitment.”
The design was developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including Friends of the Northern Hospice, Palliative Care Tasmania and the Northern Consumer and Community Engagement Council.
Existing services at the Allambi Building will be relocated ahead of construction starting. The Department of Health has a preferred location identified for the existing services and is working closely with the landlord of the facility to secure a tenancy.
Construction of the Northern Hospice facility is expected to begin in mid-2025 and be complete in late-2026.
