This ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Heart Week, Tasmanians are encouraged to take positive steps to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said the statistics on heart disease in Tasmania are devastating.
“Heart disease is more prevalent in Tasmania than anywhere in Australia, and it is our state’s biggest single cause of death,” Minister Barnett said.
“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 the Tasmanian Government is concerned by, and that’s why we are going to build a new lifesaving Northern Heart Centre, at the Launceston General Hospital.
“The $120 million Northern Heart Centre will act as the primary cardiology referral centre in the State’s north, and will include:
- The construction of a second catheterisation lab, and;
- The establishment of a dedicated cardiology ward featuring a cardiac day unit and expanded echo and stress testing capacity at the Launceston General Hospital.
“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.
“The Northern Heart Centre is a key part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, and we will continue to invest in the capital works Tasmania’s health system need, right across the State.”
Cardiovascular disease is a largely preventable condition, with various risk factors – smoking, high blood pressure, poor diet and physical inactivity – accounting for most of the risks of heart attack.
Minister Barnett encouraged Tasmanians be aware of the risk and speak to their GP about ways to improve their heart health.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government is strongly committed to reducing the risk of heart disease and poor heart health in the community, and Heart Week is another reminder for Tasmanians to speak to their GP about heart health and reduce the risks,” the Minister said.
The Tasmanian Government is also developing a State-wide Cardiac Strategy and Action Plan that will focus on what is required over the next 10 years and is being led by the Tasmanian Cardiac Network.
