The Rockliff Government must provide certainty to patients and workers that ongoing mental health care will be retained following the closure of the St Helen’s Private Hospital.
Today’s rally, organised by HACSU, the ANMF and Unions Tasmania, demonstrates that workers and the community are incredibly concerned about the pending closure of St Helens and significant loss of mental health services.
Tasmanian Labor stands in solidarity with workers and the community.
While the Rockliff Government has provided a short-term fix of three Mother and Baby Unit beds at the Royal Hobart Hospital, it is inadequate and comes nowhere near replacing what has been lost.
The loss of 31 inpatient mental health beds will be catastrophic for those waiting for mental health treatment and will put added pressure on the health system and other mental health providers who are already operating at capacity.
The treatments available at St Helen’s Private Hospital have been life changing for many patients and have assisted with re-engaging them with work, education and their community.
The workers at St Helen’s have specialist knowledge and skills that cannot be lost. The workforce needs certainty.
The Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff must urgently outline what services and ongoing support will be provided with those experiencing mental ill health.
Instead of prioritising the mental health of Tasmanians, Premier Rockliff is more concerned and preoccupied with building a taxpayer-funded billion dollar stadium.
If Premier Rockliff hasn’t addressed the mental health crisis in 10 years, he never will.
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Health