Part of Hobart’s Peacock House mental health facility will reopen next week after a rat infestation forced its closure earlier this month.
Up to five of the facility’s 12 residential rooms will be available for admissions from Monday, the Department of Health confirmed today.
An occupational hygienist has inspected the North Hobart site and repair work began on Thursday.
Rodents damaged electrical systems, ceilings and wall plaster, all of which are now being replaced.
“An operational meeting has determined that the works will be far enough advanced that part of the residential unit can admit consumers from Monday next week,” Department of Health secretary Dale Webster said.
Staff first discovered rats in the roof space above bedrooms and corridors on November 10.
Pest controllers removed several dead rodents, creating such a strong smell one room had to be shut.
Rat droppings were found throughout the ceiling cavity and power outages affected parts of the building.
The facility suspended admissions last week and discharged its final patient on Monday.
Staff were redeployed to other roles while investigations continued.
Webster stressed that other services at the Peacock Centre have remained open throughout.
“The community can be reassured that the Peacock Centre remains open, with consumers requiring assistance or support still having access to the Safe Haven, Recovery College and the Mental Health Integration Hub as normal,” he said.
“If residential support is required, consumers can still go to the Peacock Centre and this will be organised.”
“Care continues to be provided to consumers at appropriate alternative mental health services that meet their clinical needs.”
