A political row has broken out over mental health care in Tasmania’s north-west, with Labor saying the government has failed to put an adequate interim plan in place since the fire that closed the Spencer Clinic.
Health Minister Bridget Archer has hit back, praising staff for their response to the fire and calling Labor’s criticism “an extraordinary new low”.
The clinic, at the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie, was the region’s only dedicated public mental health inpatient unit.
All 19 beds were full when a deliberate fire forced it to close on September 19.
Patients have since been moved to other facilities and the clinic’s staff are working across the health service.
Braddon Labor MP Anita Dow said the government’s failure to put an adequate interim solution in place was “simply unacceptable”.
“North-west Tasmanians who rely on the services provided by the clinic deserve an update on the interim plan immediately,” she said.
Dow said the new North West Mental Health Precinct would not be finished until 2028.
She welcomed news of the construction contract but said it did nothing to meet the immediate need.
She asked whether the inpatient arrangement with the North West Private Hospital would continue and whether community-based mental health services would be expanded.
“Regional Tasmanians should not have to travel across the state or compete for beds in already stretched local hospitals to receive the mental health care they need,” Dow said.
“The Liberals track record on fast tracking health projects in our region speaks for itself.”
Archer said staff at the North West Regional Hospital had done “an exceptional job” putting emergency measures in place under “very difficult circumstances”.
“Tasmanian Labor should hang their head in shame,” Archer said.
“They’re kicking Tasmanians while they’re down as we work together towards a solution.”
On Thursday, Archer announced construction company VOS had won the tender to build the precinct, a project she said would cost about $40 million.
More detail on interim arrangements could come within the next couple of weeks, Archer said.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should call Triple Zero (000) or go to an emergency department. Non-urgent support is available on 1800 332 388.
