Mental health ward fire forces evacuation at Tasmania hospital
A fire at North West Regional Hospital in Burnie forced evacuation of the mental health unit and adjacent paediatric ward.
Emergency crews responded to a fire at North West Regional Hospital in Burnie around 6:30pm on Saturday. The fire was contained to the Spencer Clinic, the hospital's mental health unit.
All patients from that unit and the neighbouring paediatric unit were evacuated safely. One person is in custody helping police with their investigation.
Health officials confirmed all patients are safe. No injuries were reported.
Patients have been moved to safe areas in the hospital. Some are being transferred to other facilities as needed.
Inspectors will check for damage to nearby areas once the fire service leaves.
- North West Regional Hospital, Burnie
- Hospital
- Saturday around 6:30pm
- Fire time
Why it mattersAny extended closure of this ward could impact mental health care access for patients across Tasmania's north-west region.
AustraliaIf the Spencer Clinic mental health ward closure extends beyond repairs, patients across north-west Tasmania could face reduced access to psychiatric inpatient care.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 5 d ago
