Fire closes mental health ward at North West Regional Hospital
A fire at the North West Regional Hospital rendered the 19-bed Spencer Clinic mental health unit uninhabitable on Saturday night.
The Spencer Clinic was at full capacity when the fire started at 6:30pm on Saturday. About 10 crews attended and prevented the flames from spreading to other wards.
No injuries were reported. Two patients went to Launceston General Hospital, five to the North West Private Hospital, and the rest were transferred to other wards at the same hospital.
A 28-year-old woman has been charged with arson. The hospital was already planning a new 22-bed mental health facility to start construction this year and open in 2028.
The health minister says the government will explore fast-tracking that project.
- 19
- Spencer Clinic beds lost
- Saturday 6.30pm
- Fire time
- 22 beds, opens 2028
- New facility capacity
- 28-year-old woman
- Suspect age
Why it mattersLosing 19 mental health beds worsens existing bed pressures in Tasmania's public health system and leaves no replacement in place until 2028.
AustraliaMental health patients in northwest Tasmania face longer waits for inpatient care as the regional hospital works around the loss of its main mental health ward.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
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