The state government needs to tell Tasmanians, as a matter of urgency, the timeframe for replacing the services that will be lost when St Helen’s closes.
While the Premier seems to be talking about little else than his billion-dollar taxpayer-funded football stadium, it seems to have escaped his notice that he’s also the Health Minister, as well as the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Healthscope’s decision to close St Helen’s at the end of June is a massive blow to those who rely on the mental health services it provides, particularly those mothers and babies who need additional support through the state’s only mother and baby unit.
What is the plan and timeframe? Will St Helen’s continue to provide services until an alternative is found?
Labor urges the state government to urgently commit to rolling out public mother and baby unit beds state-wide and to commit to a start date.
The closure of the St Helen’s service comes on top of the maternity services situation in the North West where understaffing and lack of resources have made those services unsafe for mothers and babies.
The failure of the Liberal Government to prioritise maternal and mental health services over the past 10 years has led to this situation and the government needs to act now before it becomes even worse.
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing