A Burnie health centre has been shut down for up to two weeks after wastewater backed up through the plumbing system and flooded the building.
The Burnie Community Health Centre on Jones Street closed on Wednesday following what authorities described as a wastewater blockage and overflow.
The incident has forced the relocation of several health services, including child health and parenting programs, podiatry clinics and community nursing.
Health Secretary Dale Webster said TasWater had been called in to assess the contamination.
“The plumbing issue resulted in the blockage and overflow of wastewater,” Webster said.
The department said it would “work to rectify damage to the building as soon as possible”.
Several community clinics have been cancelled, with affected patients being contacted directly.
“The Department has identified suitable alternative locations from which to deliver these services while the Burnie Community Health Centre is closed and affected clients are being advised of these alternative arrangements,” Webster said.
The building is expected to remain closed to the public while repairs are carried out and the facility is decontaminated.
Webster thanked staff for managing the emergency closure.
“We thank all staff involved for their professionalism in dealing with this situation and ensuring continuity of care for clients accessing these important health services,” he said.
The department also thanked the community for their understanding “while this essential rectification work is undertaken”.
The cause of the plumbing failure and the extent of the damage have not yet been confirmed.
