Petition launched urging Tasmanian government to stop St Helen’s Private Hospital closure

Tasmanians are uniting to voice their outrage over a decision by a private operator to close a private hospital in Hobart, with a petition urging the state government to take action gaining steam.

St Helen's Private Hospital, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

More than 750 people have signed a petition calling on the state government to step in and ensure the impending closure of St Helen’s Private Hospital does not have a detrimental impact on Tasmania’s mental health care system.

Hospital operator Healthscope announced on Tuesday that the Macquarie St facility could close next month, pointing to falling demand and the need for major capital works.

The hospital offers inpatient and outpatient services to hundreds of Tasmanians and boasts the state’s only mother and baby inpatient mental health unit.

Hobart resident, Maddison Cutler, has started a Change.org petition urging Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff to guarantee that the 31 mental health beds in the hospital are not permanently lost.

St Helen's Private Hospital, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Every person in this world is affected by mental illness, whether it is yourself, a loved one, a colleague or friend. We must keep these beds and services in operation and the Tasmanian government and Minister Jeremy Rockcliff have the means to do this,” Ms Cutler said.

Mr Rockliff has said efforts are being made to strengthen public services and has encouraged staff affected by the planned closure to apply for jobs in the public system. He said planning was “well under way” for a public mother and baby unit.