00:01Two years ago, Calvary Healthcare scrapped plans to build a new private hospital in Launceston.
00:08A year later, flooring problems at one of its existing Launceston hospitals
00:13forced it to divert surgeries to the other.
00:16Both developments fuelled questions about Calvary's future in northern Tasmania.
00:22The real risk here then is that that infrastructure fails
00:24and there's a real risk that the other hospital might lose its operating theatres too.
00:28Calvary Healthcare CEO Damien Bruce today visited Launceston
00:33and discussed a plan to build a new private hospital at a South Launceston aged care facility.
00:40They mentioned they're exploring Sandhill where they currently own an aged care home.
00:43A Calvary spokesperson says it's submitted a land use strategy for the site
00:48and is considering lodging a rezoning application with the Launceston Council.
00:53But the ABC understands a final decision is still some time away.
00:58Calvary cited budget pressures when it cancelled plans for a new hospital in 2024
01:03and those pressures haven't eased.
01:06It reported a $138 million deficit last year.
01:11But some believe investing in this region could help in the long run.
01:15The asset in the north would be a drain on their financial position.
01:20So I think if we can get over the hurdle of attracting some capital for them to renew the asset,
01:26that will actually make Calvary more sustainable going forward.
01:30The Launceston Health Hub also has plans for a new private hospital in the north,
01:35but doesn't oppose Calvary building one.
01:38The infrastructure in town is getting old and so whether it's our private hospital or Calvary's plan,
01:43the Launceston does desperately need a new hospital.
01:47www.ai.co.uk
01:52The Launceston Health Hub
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