The wellbeing of patients and staff is the number one concern of the Hodgman Liberal Government and the Tasmanian Health Service (THS), following a fire at the Peacock Centre in North Hobart earlier today.
The fire started at around 10:30am this morning. It completely destroyed the building, which was used as a day centre for mental health clients and a base for staff caring for clients in the community.
I am advised that two THS staff members were taken by Ambulance Tasmania to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment for non-life threatening injuries.
I commend the quick actions of staff and emergency services personnel that attended today’s fire and worked quickly to evacuate the building.
It is thanks to their efforts that the fire did not result in more serious injury to staff and patients.
I have this afternoon been briefed by the Tasmanian Health Service, on efforts underway to ensure it can provide mental health services to our clients.
This followed a meeting between THS and the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure maximum effort is directed to maintain service delivery, and ensure clear communication with clients of new arrangements once they are finalised.
On behalf of the Government I would like to convey my sincere thanks to staff, Tasmania Police, the Tasmania Fire Service and Ambulance Tasmania for their efforts with today’s incident.