Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Health spokesperson
The imminent closure of St Helen’s Private Hospital is a serious issue, and it is the state government’s job to ensure all the hospital’s services continue uninterrupted.
Given the crisis in health service delivery, the Government should strongly consider purchasing the building from private provider HealthScope, and refurbishing or reconstructing it to deliver high quality services through the public system.
The St Helen’s facility is a crucial part of Tasmania’s mental health services, and it provides the State’s only Mother Baby Unit. The impact of its closure will be widely felt among both public and private health sectors.
The Government might not have a say in the decision to close this hospital, but they do have a responsibility to ensure its essential services continue. It’s crucial for the welfare of current patients there is no interruption of care.
While the closure of this facility presents real challenges, it could be an opportunity to expand public health facilities. This site is in a central location and across the road from a significant government health site.
Given the location, the Rockliff Government should examine the potential of investing in the creation of a high quality new public facility.
With a serious staffing crisis in health ongoing, we urge the Government to offer as many St Helen’s staff as possible new roles within the public system.