St Lukes welcomes today’s announcement that Hobart Private Hospital will continue to service the southern Tasmania community, under the new ownership of Calvary Healthcare.
The private health system plays a crucial role in reducing demand and pressure in the public system and this represents a significant commitment from Calvary to ensure Tasmanians can access critical health services in the state’s south.
As Tasmania’s leading not-for-profit health and wellness organisation and the largest provider of health insurance in the state, St Lukes will continue to work constructively with Calvary to ensure the highest standards of care are delivered for our members and the broader community.
As not-for-profit organisations, St Lukes and Calvary share a commitment to putting patients before profits, building on our strong and longstanding partnership.
As a result of the purchase, Calvary becomes the only private overnight acute care provider in the south of the state, while currently being the only overnight private hospital in Launceston.
With this monopoly situation comes an obligation to ensure Calvary delivers the quality and breadth of service at an appropriately affordable cost for Tasmanians.
It is also crucial that Calvary and the public system work constructively together to ensure healthcare delivery is maximised in Tasmania for both private and public patents.
St Lukes will continue to advocate for a modern integrated healthcare system that Tasmanians can rely upon when they need it.
ENDS
[Quotes attributable to St Lukes Chief Health Officer Luke Cameron]
For further information: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations – 0429 386 779.