Healthscope’s decision to close St Helen’s Private Hospital in Hobart at the end of June is shocking news for workers and the many Tasmanians who rely on the critical mental health services it provides.
It is particularly shocking that those mothers and babies needing additional support through the state’s only mother and baby unit will now go without.
The closure of this important facility will put added pressure on our health system, which is already at crisis point.
Labor urges the state government to swiftly announce how it intends to support Tasmanians in need of care once the hospital closes in June.
In particular, Labor calls on the state government to make a commitment to roll out public mother and baby unit beds statewide.
The failure of the Liberal Government to prioritise maternal health services over the past 10 years has led to a situation where the only mother and baby unit in the state is about to close.
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Health Minister
