HACSU is campaigning for the Health and Mental Health Minister, Bridget Archer, to step up and keep the Hobart Clinic open.
Earlier this month, it was announced that southern Tasmania will lose its last private mental health inpatient facility, with the Hobart Clinic scheduled to close at the end of October. This means the removal of a critical lifeline and 27 vital beds from our mental health system.
The Hobart Clinic plays a crucial role in keeping people well and out of the public system. Most patients are lower acuity and would never qualify for crisis-based hospital services. What are they meant to do when there is nothing else like this available anywhere in Tasmania? Some will have to consider travelling interstate to access the same kind of treatment – an option most simply cannot afford.
The fact is that Tasmanians can’t afford to let the Clinic close, and her statement that the public system will be able to absorb the vital services the Hobart Clinic is just not true.
We’ve launched our public petition to keep the Clinic open. You can add your voice to our campaign by clicking here to sign online.
We’ve also organised a community rally for this Thursday 2 October, kicking off with wobble boarding at 11.30am on the corner of Davey and Murray streets and a rally at the Executive Building at 12pm. We’re inviting all politicians, advocacy groups, unions and concerned community members to come along and attend as we call on the government to step in and ensure the Hobart Clinic remains open.
NOTE: If you’re a Hobart Clinic staff member rostered on shift on Thursday and choose to attend it would be unprotected industrial action. Please contact HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 for further information.
