The Tasmanian Government is working to ensure Tasmanians continue to have access to the right mental health services for their needs following today’s decision by Healthscope to close the St Helen’s Private Hospital in Hobart in June 2023.
Primarily a mental health facility, St Helen’s Private Hospital provides mental health inpatient and day services, and hosts a Mother Baby Unit. The hospital has an average occupancy of 24 patients.
Premier and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Jeremy Rockliff said the Government was working with partners in the wider health system to manage the impact of the closure.
“While this is a commercial decision by Healthscope and we are disappointed, we are stepping in to ensure the community still has access to these important health services,” the Premier said.
“As the only Mother Baby Unit in the state, we fully understand how important this service is for Tasmanian families.
“Planning is well underway to establish a public Mother Baby Unit in the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) and we have had initial discussions with other providers about their ability to establish this service in the future.
“The THS is also working with other non-government providers to ensure the health system is ready to meet any additional patient demand for in-hospital services.
“This includes engaging with private psychiatrists who currently admit patients to St Helen’s inpatient and day services to ensure their patients are able to access alternative care.
“I would particularly like to recognise The Hobart Clinic for their early engagement in this planning process and their commitment to future service expansion.
“Importantly, I would also like to reassure St Helen’s Private Hospital staff that the Department of Health will work with Healthscope and our health unions to assist staff who wish to work in the THS following the closure of St Helen’s.
“Representatives from the Department will be available to meet staff and discuss their options in the coming weeks.”
As part of its Mental Health Reform Agenda, the Tasmanian Government is transforming the way mental health services are delivered in Tasmania.
In recognition that community settings are the best place for many patients to receive mental health care and support, the Mental Health Reform Agenda includes investment in more community-based services and facilities like the Peacock Centre.
The Peacock Centre opened earlier this year inclusive of a new short-stay unit that provides specialist treatment in a home-like environment.
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