20 September 2026
Jeremy Rockliff, Premier
Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing
Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, visited the North West Regional Hospital on Sunday following a fire in the Spencer Clinic.
All 19 patients in the clinic have been relocated to appropriate alternative services, including at the North West Private Hospital, following the blaze on Saturday night.
Premier Rockliff thanked health workers and emergency services for their quick response to the fire.
“No one was injured thanks to the quick work of those on the ground,” Premier Rockliff said.
“The Spencer Clinic has sustained extensive damage and will remain closed for some time.
“Assessments of the site will continue over the coming days to determine the way forward.”
Patients in the nearby paediatric unit were temporarily relocated last night, but are expected to return to the ward today.
Minister for Health, Bridget Archer, said an emergency management team has been activated to deliver additional statewide capacity for mental health consumers.
“We are actively considering all options to make additional mental health beds and supports available, including partnering with private providers,” Minister Archer said.
“Members of the North West community can be assured mental health care and support will continue to be available.
“If you, or someone you know, is experiencing mental health crisis, please do not hesitate to seek emergency mental health support, whether by calling Triple 0 or attending the North West Regional Hospital Emergency Department.”
Department of Health Secretary, Dale Webster, said there are a range of community-based health services available for non-emergency health needs, including Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Burnie and Devonport and community pharmacies.
“Emergency mental health care is still available at the North West Regional Hospital,” Mr Webster said.
“There are a range of community-based options available for non-emergency support.
“The best place to start is by speaking with your GP or treating medical professional for a mental health plan and referral to appropriate supports.
“Alternatively people can call our Access Mental Health or the Medicare Mental Health phone lines for referral advice, or access support through one of many community mental health organisations commissioned by the Tasmanian Government.”