News and alerts

Volume 1, No 2 - November 2024

Tasmanians are reminded that Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) will be open throughout the holiday season, with the Department of Health releasing the top three most common reasons why people in Tasmania present to UCCs.

Tasmanian parents and carers of young children are reminded to be alert to the dangers of button batteries this festive season.

The Department of Health is encouraging all Tasmanians to be aware of the right healthcare treatment option for their needs over the festive period.

The Public Health alert advising against swimming in the River Derwent, issued on Thursday 19 December, has been lifted for all locations except the western end of Bellerive Beach.

Tasmanians are being reminded to prepare for a healthy Christmas and New Years’ by visiting a pharmacy for certain treatment options and health advice.

Read about Pharmacy/medicines and poisons regulation- Notification of Forged Electronic Prescriptions

Low vitamin D is an important public health issue and is common in Tasmania. In summer around one third of Tasmanian teens and adults do not have enough vitamin D (blood levels less than 50 nmol/L) and in winter and spring this increases to around two thirds.

Sixteen qualified paramedics have joined Ambulance Tasmania, relocating from interstate and overseas. After completing a four-week orientation program, they will begin providing life-saving care across Tasmania later this month.

The new state-of-the-art hospice in Launceston has taken another important step forward, with release of concept designs.

Eleven new midwives have been welcomed to the health system, ready to care for the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies across the State.

A new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) has opened in Bridgewater, expanding access to fully bulk-billed care for Hobart’s northern suburbs.

Applications are now open for the latest round of the Community Defibrillator Fund, with an additional 180 life-saving devices to be made available through a $500,000 investment.

With hot weather predicted across the state this summer, Tasmanians are being urged to stay heat smart and know how to keep themselves, their families and others healthy and safe.

The Department of Health is encouraging all Tasmanians to be aware of the right treatment option for their needs this summer as hospitals and the broader health system enter a traditionally busy period.

November 2024 newsletter from TAZREACH at the Department of Health (Tasmania).

Applications for the 2025 Ida West Aboriginal Health Scholarships are now open.

A new breast screening clinic that provides life-saving cancer detection services is now open on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.

The Tasmanian Government’s highly successful virtual care program has reached an impressive new milestone this week.

The Department of Health is inviting people to share their experiences with cancer services to shape the development of a new Tasmanian Cancer Plan.