The Mersey Community Hospital has been damaged by severe weather, forcing authorities to divert ambulances to other facilities across the state’s north.
The Department of Health confirmed the hospital sustained damage in the early hours of Friday morning as a vigorous cold front brought destructive wind gusts of up to 125km/h across northern Tasmania.
Health Secretary Dale Webster said the hospital had been placed in a “Code Yellow” internal emergency to manage the situation.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety of all patients and staff,” he said.
“At present, clinical services are being managed, but capacity is impacted.”
Ambulance Tasmania is bypassing the Devonport facility and transporting patients to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie or Launceston General Hospital instead.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued the latest severe weather warning at 4:39am Friday, warning of damaging winds averaging 60 to 70km/h with peak gusts around 110km/h across northern Tasmania.
Destructive gusts above 125km/h were possible with shower and thunderstorm activity along the north coast, including Burnie and Devonport.
A full assessment of the hospital’s buildings is underway to determine the extent of the damage.
Webster urged the community to be aware of alternative healthcare options during the disruption.
“If it is an emergency, people should continue to present to the Mersey Community Hospital or call Triple Zero (000),” he said.
For non-urgent needs, he said patients can contact their regular GP or access Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Devonport or Launceston.
Wind conditions are expected to ease across Tasmania later tonight.
