St Helen’s Private Hospital in Hobart is home to the state’s only mother baby unit

The state government is being urged to fast-track a public mother-baby unit after the announced closure of Hobart’s St Helen’s Private Hospital. LATEST >

St Helen's Private Hospital. Hobart’s only mother baby unit is set to close Picture: Chris Kidd

The state government is being urged to fast-track the establishment of a public mother baby unit following the impending closure of Hobart’s St Helen’s Private hospital.

Hospital operator Healthscope announced on Tuesday the hospital could close next month, citing falling demand and the need for major capital works.

The hospital provides inpatient and outpatient services to hundreds to Tasmanians, and is home to the state’s only mother baby inpatient mental health unit.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said planning was underway to boost public services and invited staff affected by the closure to apply for positions in the public sector.

Mr Rockliff said planning was “well underway” for a public mother baby unit.

Centre of Perinatal Excellence executive director Dr Nicole Highet

Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) executive director Nicole Highet said it was concerning that Tasmania was losing the mother baby unit.

The eight-room unit at St Helens allows mothers and babies to stay together while receiving treatment, either for the mother’s mental health or for infant health issues such as sleep problems, feeding problems and failure to thrive.

“Given there is no option now it creates the urgency for the state government to fund and support the development of a public mother baby unit,” Dr Highet said.

“Up to one in five women will experience anxiety in pregnancy or the peri-natal period. One in ten experience depression and that increases to one in seven postnatally … this is the most at-risk time for women, the time in their life when they are most likely to develop a mental health problem.”

Connie Digolis is the chief executive of the Mental Health Council of Tasmania.

Mental Health Council of Tasmania CEO Connie Digolis said she was heartened by the Premier’s comments that the government was working to help redeploy staff and cover potential service gaps left by the hospital’s closure.

“It’s something we will be seeking more information on over the next week,” Ms Digolis said.

Ms Digolis paid tribute to the dedicated staff of the mother baby unit.

“I don’t think it’s the building that’s made that service, it’s the people and the staff. I would like to acknowledge how high quality that service has been,” she said.

Meanwhile Greens health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said the government should look into buying the hospital as a going concern.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Deputy Labor leader Anita Dow. Last sitting day of parliament before the Winter break. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Labor’s shadow health minister Anita Dow said the closure would be keenly felt among those using its services.

“The closure of this important facility will put added pressure on our health system, which is already at crisis point,:” she said.

“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.”