Mental health workers at Tolosa Street Adult Mental Health Service in Hobart’s northern suburbs have been left reeling after it was announced that their facility is the latest victim of the state government’s privatisation fire sale.
The announcement to staff today comes after a month of speculation that the service would be shutting its doors, with the Department of Health confirming that the contract will be put out to the private sector.
Tolosa St is a 12-bed facility that provides specialised support to mental health patients.
“We know that privatisation of healthcare services never works. What we have seen recently with St Helen’s and Healthscope is private providers coming in, making a quick buck and then closing up shop when the going gets tough,” HACSU State Secretary Robbie Moore says.
What we will see under the government’s disastrous plan is a poorer service that will lead to far worse outcomes for some of the most vulnerable Tasmanians.
We are calling on Roger Jaensch to stop the sell off of Tolosa St and ensure our mental health services remain in public hands,” he added.