Not all cardiologists created equal, MLC says, as replacement plan criticised

The Examiner

17 June 2026

By Saree Salter

The proposed replacement for cardiologist Brian Herman has been described as not like-for-like after Dr Herman was told his contract would not be renewed.

The internationally respected professor travelled from Hobart two days per month to work at the Launceston General Hospital where he provided an "extremely specialised service" to Northern Tasmanians.

He also treated patients in the North-West.

On Tuesday, June 16 health department secretary Dale Webster said an additional full-time cardiologist position had been created across both clinical and head of department roles at the LGH.

While the position was being filled, Mr Webster said cardiologist Paul MacIntyre would be temporarily transferred from the Royal Hobart Hospital to ensure there was no gap in service.

Launceston MLC Rosemary Armitage disputed this and said, unlike Dr Herman, Dr MacIntyre was not an interventional cardiologist.

"Dr MacIntyre does not perform the same procedures as Dr Herman and would therefore not be filling a gap should Dr Herman leave," Ms Armitage said.

"Interventional cardiology is among the most technically demanding fields in medicine, requiring decades of training and experience, with procedures often performed in life-and-death situations."

She said the real question was why the health service seemed so determined to "get rid" of Dr Herman.

"The sensible option would be to leave Dr Herman in place, doing what he does best, saving lives, until a permanent head of cardiology is employed," she said.

"Future services could then be discussed between them, ensuring best care for the people of Northern Tasmania."

Ms Armitage said Dr Herman was informed in June that his contract would not be renewed in July, leaving him "shocked" as the department "cleaned up" part-time roles in favour of full-time positions.

The news prompted a strong response from community members and former patients, who called the decision "absolutely bloody ridiculous".