Patients, doctors and clinicians are collaborating on the future of health in Tasmania; an effort that will provide "realistic" solutions to some of Tasmania's health challenges. The health senate, which comprises representatives from all walks of life and regions of Tasmania, has descended on the North-West Coast. It is the third meeting of the senate since inception and a meeting of special significance to the region in the wake of the East Devonport Medical Centre's planned closure. "One of the biggest (issues) at the moment is access to care and in particular access to GP care," senate co-chair clinical associate professor Marcus Skinner said. "Obviously there is a lot of discussion going on... in relation to the closure of medical centres, so a part of the senate debate now is to understand how we can develop improved care in that regard and what is necessary to make that happen." Mr Skinner said the senate was a voice that represents the whole of health in Tasmania. "Where we differ from other bodies is that we're going to provide timely and realistic recommendations," he said. "We follow those recommendations through the department and through government and get meaningful health change from them." Health Minister Guy Barnett said the senate would analyse rural and regional healthcare services over two days. "Our government is doing what matters for Tasmanians by reducing barriers to healthcare for those living in rural and remote parts of the state," he said. "I look forward to continuing to work with the senate to improve health services for all Tasmanians." Mr Skinner said he's proud that the senate provides a voice that will strengthen the community's input into health service planning. "We've seen over our careers that sometimes there is a deficiency in that [consumer] voice," he said.