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St Helen's Private Hospital Closure

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St Helen's Private Hospital closure

St Helen's Private Hospital is a private mental health facility operated by Healthscope in Hobart. Healthscope has announced it will be closing the hospital on 23 June 2023. Following the closure, hospital services will cease, and the building will be put up for sale in July 2023.

The closure of the hospital has created a challenge for people who have been receiving care there. The Tasmanian Government is working with both public and private services across the state to make sure that our health system continues to meet our community needs.

How will treating clinicians refer people to other services, including public mental health services?

Each person’s treating clinician is responsible for creating a personalised transition plan for them and making arrangements to ensure they continue to receive the medical care they need.

This may involve referring the person to another healthcare provider or finding suitable alternatives to meet their mental health needs. For most people this does not mean a change in their treatment team, just a change of location.

As part of their responsibility in the decision to close St Helen’s Private Hospital, Healthscope is offering extra support to the psychiatrists that use the services of the hospital. This support includes the assistance of mental health nurses who will work together with the psychiatrists in planning the safe transfer of their patients.

Consumers with any questions or concerns, should speak to their treating clinician or contact Healthscope's support team, who are readily available to provide assistance.

Healthscope’s Mental Health Priority Access Service provides access to mental health inpatient treatments and beds available across Healthscope’s network of hospitals. For more information, call 0474 707 995 between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A voicemail message can be left outside of these hours.  

Clinicians caring for consumers from St Helen’s Private Hospital who want to refer to the Statewide Mental Health Services should contact Access Mental Health, the statewide mental health support, triage, and referral line.

People in Tasmania can call Access Mental Health on 1800 332 388 between 9:00am and 10:00pm every day for:

  • immediate counselling support over the phone
  • information about the Tasmanian mental health system
  • help making a referral to public mental health services.

Why can’t the Department of Health refer people from St Helen’s Private Hospital to other services?

At St. Helen's Private Hospital, people receive private healthcare, which means the Department of Health does not have access to their information.

Each person’s treating clinician is responsible for creating a personalised transition plan for them and deciding whether they need a referral to another service.

Clinicians caring for consumers from St Helen’s Private Hospital who wish to make a service referral should contact Access Mental Health, the statewide mental health support, triage, and referral line.

In Tasmania, anyone can call Access Mental Health on 1800 332 388 between 9:00am and 10:00pm every day for:

  • immediate counselling support over the phone
  • information about the Tasmanian mental health system
  • help making a referral to public mental health services.

What support and advice are available for St Helen’s Private Hospital psychiatrists?

As outlined above, treating clinicians are responsible for creating a personalised transition plan for their patients and making arrangements to ensure ongoing care during the transition period. This may involve referring patients to other healthcare providers or finding suitable alternatives to meet their mental health needs. For most people this will not mean a change of treatment team but a change of location.

As part of their responsibility in the decision to close St Helen’s Private Hospital, Healthscope is offering extra support to the hospital’s psychiatrists. This support includes the assistance of mental health nurses who will work together with the psychiatrists in planning the safe transfer of their patients.

Consumers with any questions or concerns should speak to their treating clinician or contact Healthscope's support team, who are readily available to provide assistance.

Healthscope’s Mental Health Priority Access Service provides access to mental health inpatient treatments and beds available across Healthscope’s network of hospitals. For more information, call 0474 707 995 between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A voice message can be lest outside of these hours.

Clinicians caring for consumers from St Helen’s Private Hospital who wish to make a service referral should contact Access Mental Health, the statewide mental health support, triage, and referral line. Access Mental Health can provide advice and support to St Helen’s Private Hospital clinicians – as well as other clinicians across Tasmania – on the process of referring their patients to public mental health services in the hospital and community. Clinicians can call Access Mental Health on 1800 332 388 between 9:00am and 10:00pm every day.

For information about available services in Tasmania, clinicians are also encouraged to visit:

Will personal information be safe?

All personal files and sensitive information will be handled by Healthscope and each person’s treating clinician in accordance with relevant privacy laws and regulations.

If clinicians or individuals need to access St Helen’s Private Hospital records, please email [email protected].

What about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) services?

Where is ECT provided?

ECT is given in a hospital setting, whether the patient is an inpatient or outpatient.

Where can people access ECT in Tasmania?

The Hobart Clinic offers ECT through Hobart Day Surgery, which was how ECT was offered at St. Helen's Private Hospital.

In the public healthcare system, ECT services are available through Statewide Mental Health Services (SMHS) at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH).

Will ECT services continue to be available?

Yes, ECT services will continue to be provided by the Hobart Day Surgery through The Hobart Clinic. For public patients ECT is available in the Tasmanian Health Service. If there is an increased demand, the capacity of these services can be expanded accordingly.

What about the qualifications of psychiatrists delivering ECT?

Psychiatrists who provide ECT must have proper training. Each organisation has its own credentialling process to ensure psychiatrists are well-trained in ECT.

What about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) services?

Where is TMS provided?

TMS can be provided in different settings, including hospitals (inpatient or outpatient) and non-hospital outpatient settings like medical clinics. Most TMS treatments across the world are conducted on an outpatient basis.

Where can people access TMS in Tasmania?

St Helen’s Private Hospital provided up to three chairs for TMS services.

The Hobart Clinic and Hobart TMS also provide TMS services.

Will TMS services continue to be available?

Yes, TMS services will continue to be provided by The Hobart Clinic and Hobart TMS, both of which are looking to expand their services.

What about the qualifications of psychiatrists delivering TMS?

Psychiatrists who provide TMS must have proper training. Each organisation has its own credentialling process to ensure psychiatrists are well-trained in TMS.

The Hobart Clinic and interested psychiatrists from St. Helen's Private Hospital are working together to obtain credentialling for delivering TMS services.

Do private health insurance companies help with TMS costs?

Currently, private health insurance companies do not cover the costs of outpatient TMS.

TMS treatments can be partially funded through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for eligible individuals. To claim for services under the MBS, psychiatrists must be accredited through a training course approved by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).

People who have their medical expenses covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or Workcover may have the cost of TMS covered. Individuals can contact their treating clinician and the relevant organisation (Department of Veterans Affairs or Workcover) to discuss their particular  situation.

What about the Mother Baby Unit?

The establishment of a 3 public mother baby beds at the Royal Hobart Hospital will leave no gap in service for mothers experiencing mental ill health, such as postnatal depression and anxiety.

The new beds will:

  • be operational in June, before St. Helen's Private Hospital closes
  • have three dedicated beds in a comfortable, home-like environment, and
  • accommodate mothers experiencing mental ill-health such as postnatal depression and anxiety

Will there be separate rooms and home-like facilities?

The interim Mother Baby Unit provides comfortable and home-like facilities for mothers and infants.

Each room in the unit is spacious and private, with its own ensuite bathroom. Additionally, there are shared living and dining areas, a kitchenette, and laundry facilities available for use.

The unit is physically separate from the rest of the ward, offering increased security and privacy.

It is located near essential medical services and complies with infection control measures to keep mothers and infants safe and well.

Will babies be with mothers, or separated?

The Royal Hobart Hospital is an accredited baby-friendly facility under the Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI). The BFHI is a joint UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) project that aims to give every baby the best start in life.

As part of this initiative, the hospital promotes mother-infant bonding by encouraging rooming-in, where mothers and their infants stay together 24 hours a day, as much as possible. This approach supports the well-being of both mother and baby.

However, there may be situations where clinical reasons require temporary separation between the infant and mother. If such situations arise, the Mother Baby Unit is able to accommodate these needs.

How can people be referred to the Mother Baby Unit?

Each person’s treating clinician is able to determine the best care for them and can refer them to the Mother Baby Unit through Access Mental Health, the statewide mental health support, triage, and referral line.

Why won’t the Department of Health consider Medi-Hotels for mothers suffering maternal exhaustion?

It is well known that a hospital setting may not always be the ideal place for care.

Due to the sudden closure of St Helen's Private Hospital, the Tasmanian Government has worked hard to find an interim solution to meet the immediate needs of Tasmanian families. However, it is important to remember that this is a short-term arrangement, not a permanent fix.

To create the best possible model for mothers and babies, collaboration is essential. The Tasmanian Government are working closely with individual stakeholders, private providers, primary care services, and the Australian Government to develop a comprehensive approach in the coming months that considers all types of services.

Creating the best model means offering a range of options beyond hospitals to meet the unique needs of mothers and infants. While the Tasmanian Government may consider medi-hotels as an option, the ultimate decision will be based on expert advice and input from the Tasmanian community to determine what is best for Tasmania.

Funding for primary care and early intervention services is the responsibility of the Australian Government and Primary Health Tasmania. The Tasmanian Government are actively engaged in discussions with them to develop long-term community-based solutions that focus on primary care and early intervention.

The Australian Government has dedicated $26.2 million over four years to establish 12 new perinatal mental health services across the country. These services, called Gidget Houses and operated by the Gidget Foundation, will provide crucial support to families facing parenting challenges.

The Tasmanian Government have also partnered with the Australian Government to jointly fund the improvement of perinatal mental health screening and data collection, which will result in better identification of parents in need and improve access to care during this crucial time.

What services are available to mothers should they find that they are not coping, or their baby is not settling?

Tasmanian families in need of support can speak to their local Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS). CHaPS provides services and support for families for a range of parenting needs, including:

  • breastfeeding and feeding
  • sleep and settling
  • post-natal wellbeing and depression
  • positive parenting behaviour management
  • social and emotional development
  • child and parent relationship and communication
  • toileting and toilet training
  • general parenting difficulties

Bookings are essential and a Child and Family Health Clinician will work with families to understand their needs. For enquiries and appointments, phone 1300 064 544 to be connected to CHaPS.

For immediate 24-hour support, the Tasmanian Parent Line is available at 1300 808 178.

In addition to CHaPS, there are several other helplines and services available to support parents in Tasmania:

If any individual or someone they know is experiencing distress, they can seek help and support from:

In an emergency, call Triple Zero 000, or visit the emergency department at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

What about day services?

The Hobart Clinic has a day program centre conveniently located just two blocks away from St Helen's Private Hospital. They have the capacity to accommodate more individuals and offer a diverse range of programs tailored to individual needs. The Hobart Clinic is working with Healthscope and private providers from St Helen’s Private Hospital to help transition these important programs to their centres in Hobart and Rokeby.

Clarity Health Care has also just opened its doors in the south of the State and commenced its Mind Care Choices program which will treat many Tasmanians in their Battery Point Clinic and/or in the comfort of their own homes.

In addition to these services, Statewide Mental Health Services and various Community Sector Organisations, funded by the Tasmanian Government, Primary Health Tasmania, and other partners, also offer a wide range of day programs and community services.

For assistance or information about available mental health services in Tasmania, contact Access Mental Health, the statewide mental health support, triage, and referral line. They can be reached on 1800 332 388 between 9 am and 10 pm every day.

For information about available services in Tasmania, please visit:

Can people with private health insurance use public health services?

Yes, the public health system is accessible to all Tasmanians in need, and it has always been that way. 
Each person should have the freedom to choose their healthcare provider. In Australia, the healthcare system operates on a mixed public-private model. This means that the funding of hospital services in Tasmania is not solely the responsibility of the Tasmanian Government. The private hospital system provides people with a wide range of healthcare providers to choose from. As private hospitals charge for their services, they receive income from a range of funders including:

  • private health insurers
  • patients – who pay out-of-pocket expenses not covered by their health insurance policy, and any excess payments based on their policy
  • the Australian Government through:
    • private health insurance rebates
    • the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
    • Medicare Benefits Schedule claims
  • state or territory governments when they contract private hospitals to deliver public hospital services.

Tasmanians also have the option to use healthcare services from providers in other states. People are encouraged to have a conversation with their treating clinician, Healthscope and their private health insurer to learn about their options and how they can access these services.

What about jobs for St Helen’s Private Hospital staff?

The Tasmanian Government’s priority is to provide comprehensive support and resources to St Helen’s Private Hospital staff members who express interest in joining the Department of Health after the closure of the hospital. The Department of Health welcomes appropriately skilled and qualified staff who want to come onboard, regardless of their field of expertise.

To help staff come onboard, the Tasmanian Government has implemented a streamlined process to fast track their entry into the Tasmanian Health Service (THS). Staff members have received detailed information packages outlining each step of the process, and support is being provided to help them with their applications.

The Tasmanian Government has given priority to hiring St. Helen's Private Hospital staff for casual employment registers, and are actively conducting a recruitment campaign. This approach allows staff members the opportunity to work across various mental health, alcohol and drug, and child health and parenting services.

Multiple job information sessions have already taken place. These sessions cover important topics such as the application process, online resources, employment registers, current job vacancies, orientation options, and mandatory training.

Why didn’t the Tasmanian Government take over St Helen’s Private Hospital?

The Tasmanian Government did not consider taking over St Helen's Private Hospital for several reasons. A review conducted by Healthscope revealed that significant investments, amounting to millions of dollars, would be needed to address safety and infrastructure issues such as the roof, electrical systems, and hydraulics.

St Helen's Private Hospital is a land-locked, ageing, heritage-listed building that was built in the 1800’s. It is not fit-for-purpose for Healthscope and private healthcare, and it is not fit-for-purpose for public health services either.

The Tasmanian Government believes that patients and healthcare staff deserve contemporary and modern facilities that meet national health facility standards. That is why we are investing $1.5 billion in new fit-for-purpose, best practice hospital and health facilities throughout the state.

The Tasmanian Government have recently opened the Peacock Centre in North Hobart. The centre, based in North Hobart, includes a new 12-bed short‑stay unit providing specialist treatment in a home-like environment. It also provides community supports, a Safe Haven for people in suicidal distress, and the Recovery College.

The Tasmanian Government have plans for a second 15-bed mental health centre and a 12-bed residential eating disorder treatment centre at St John’s Park, which will commence construction this year.

The Tasmanian Government are also investing $120 million to build two contemporary Mental Health Services precincts in the North and North West of the State.

The Tasmanian Government are continuously working to develop and implement innovative new services to better support Tasmanians. An example is the Mental Health Hospital In The Home (or HITH). Work is underway to develop a pilot HITH for youth in the North West, which is expected to be operational later this year.

The Tasmanian Government have also developed Mental Health Emergency Response (previously known as PACER), currently operational in the south of the state, as an alternative acute service designed to help a person avoid unnecessary trips to a hospital emergency department. Based on the success of this type of service in south, the Tasmanian Government are currently working towards operationalising Mental Health Emergency Response in the North West.

The Tasmanian Government will continue to fund mental health treatment and support services provided by community sector organisations across the state.

For more information about the Tasmanian Government’s mental health reform program, please view the Mental Health Integration Hub information.

Will there be enough services for Tasmanians?

The Department of Health is working collaboratively with public and private services across the State, to ensure Tasmanians continue to have access to the health care they need, when they need it – either through the public system or private providers – and all services currently offered are continued.

It is anticipated that each person’s needs and preferences will be provided for within either the acute inpatient mental health care system, or the range of sub-acute or community-based environments available.

The establishment of a 3 public mother baby beds at the Royal Hobart Hospital will leave no gap in service for mothers experiencing mental ill health, such as postnatal depression and anxiety.

TMS services will continue to be provided by The Hobart Clinic and Hobart TMS both of which are looking to expand their services.

ECT services will continue to be provided by the Hobart Day Surgery through The Hobart Clinic. For public patients ECT is available in the Tasmanian Health Service. If there is an increased demand, the capacity of these services can be expanded accordingly.

The Tasmanian Government have recently opened the Peacock Centre in North Hobart. The centre, based in North Hobart, includes a new 12-bed short‑stay unit providing specialist treatment in a home-like environment. It also provides community supports, a Safe Haven for people in suicidal distress, and the Recovery College.

The Hobart Clinic has a day program centre conveniently located just two blocks away from St Helen's Private Hospital. They have the capacity to accommodate more individuals and offer a diverse range of programs tailored to individual needs. The Hobart Clinic is working with Healthscope and private providers from St Helen’s Private Hospital to help transition these important programs to their centres in Hobart and Rokeby.

Clarity Health Care has also just opened its doors in the south of the State and commenced its Mind Care Choices program which will treat many Tasmanians in their Battery Point Clinic and/or in the comfort of their own homes.

The Tasmanian Government have plans for a second 15-bed mental health centre and a 12-bed residential eating disorder treatment centre at St John’s Park, which will commence construction this year.

The Tasmanian Government are also investing $120 million to build two contemporary Mental Health Services precincts in the North and North-West of the State.

To meet growing demand, the Detox@Home pilot program in the South will introduce a minimum of 5 new beds later this year.

The Tasmanian Government are continuously working to develop and implement innovative new services to better support Tasmanians. An example is the Mental Health Hospital In The Home (or HITH). Work is underway to develop a pilot HITH for youth in the North West, which is expected to be operational later this year.

The Tasmanian Government have also developed Mental Health Emergency Response (previously known as PACER), currently operational in the south of the state, as an alternative acute service designed to help a person avoid unnecessary trips to a hospital emergency department. Based on the success of this type of service in south, the Tasmanian Government are currently working towards operationalising Mental Health Emergency Response in the North West.

In addition to these services, Statewide Mental Health Services and various Community Sector Organisations, funded by the Tasmanian Government, Primary Health Tasmania, and other partners, also offer a wide range of programs and community services.

For assistance or information about available mental health services in Tasmania, contact Access Mental Health, the statewide mental health support, triage, and referral line. They can be reached on 1800 332 388 between 9:00am and 10:00pm every day.

For information about available services in Tasmania, please visit:

What about Tasmanians who may not wish to use public mental health services?

Public mental health services will be there for Tasmanians if and when they need them.

There are also a range of alternative private mental health providers available across the state.

Tasmanians also have the option to use healthcare services from providers in other states and are encouraged to speak with their treating clinician, Healthscope and private health insurer to learn about their options and how they can access these services.

As outlined above, the Tasmanian Government are working closely with a range of private providers who are interested in taking on services and patients from St Helen’s Private Hospital.

What services are available in other areas of the State?

Tasmania’s public mental health system will continue to support people who require acute inpatient mental health treatment and care in all parts of the state, as well as providing options in extended care and community-based services.

Statewide Mental Health Services and various Community Sector Organisations, funded by the Tasmanian Government, Primary Health Tasmania, and other partners, offer a wide range of mental health treatment and support services across the state.

For assistance or information about available mental health services in Tasmania, contact Access Mental Health, the statewide mental health support, triage, and referral line. They can be reached on 1800 332 388 between 9:00am and 10:00pm every day.

For information about available services in Tasmania, please visit:

Where can people get support?

If a person or someone they know is experiencing distress, they can seek help and support from:

In an emergency, call Triple Zero 000, or visit the emergency department at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

For assistance or information about available mental health services in Tasmania, contact Access Mental Health, the statewide mental health support, triage, and referral line. They can be reached on 1800 332 388 between 9:00am and 10:00pm every day.

Additionally, the Peacock Centre Mental Health Integration Hub is a welcoming place where friendly staff can help connect people with the services that best meet their needs. Please feel free to stop by or get in touch to learn more.

For information about available services in Tasmania, please speak with your treating clinician and/or visit:

Peacock Centre Mental Health Integration Hub

The Mental Health Integration Hub is a welcoming place providing short term, practical mental health support, information, advice and assistance. The Hub can help people to navigate mental health services and provide referrals and connections to other community services.

Phone: (03) 6166 0755

Address: Peacock Centre, 10 Elphinstone Road, North Hobart 7000

FindHelpTAS

FindHelpTAS is a free, online directory with over 900 services that support the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians and their communities.

Website: www.findhelptas.org.au

Head to Health

Head to Health can help people find digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations.

Head to Health brings together apps, online programs, online forums, and phone services, as well as a range of digital information resources.

Head to Health is an Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care initiative.

Website: www.headtohealth.gov.au

When and how can people find out more?

To find out more and keep up to date with the latest information and developments, visit this webpage regularly.  

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