Nine-year wait ends as eight aged care beds commence in Tasmania
Following years of community advocacy and with the backing of a Federal Government grant, the second stage of a three-stage aged care development is finally underway.
Construction began this week on Stage 2 of upgrades to Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre, operated by Government provider Tasmanian Health Services. at Oatlands, 84km north of Hobart.
Tasmanian company Macquarie Builders was appointed to the project last month, with the build expected to take nine months, opening in October.
Stage 2 involves refurbishment of the Callington Wing, including eight new aged care rooms with ensuites, an additional doctor's consulting room, storage, and an administration area.
The work is being completed with the support of a $3.874 million Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) grant from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Stage 1 was completed in late 2024, with the construction of an eight-bed residential aged care wing. Stage 3 will involve the development of a palliative care unit.
Lobbying for nine years
The project is the culmination of years of advocacy from local lobby group, Community Advisory Committee (CAC).
Athol Bennett has been on the CAC for 25 years and Chair for the past 15. He said advocacy for an aged care home in the area began nine years ago, while the Federal Government grant was awarded five years ago.
He said his advocacy will continue until Stage 3 is completed.
Federal Assistant Minister for Health and Aged,Care, Rebecca White, acknowledged the community for “their tireless advocacy which has helped to secure funding for these upgrades.”
Reflecting a national trend, Tasmanian hospitals are accommodating a number of older Australians well enough to be discharged but unable to access aged care, with 88 patients awaiting placements in January.
