Reports that Healthscope has entered receivership raise significant concerns for health services in Tasmania, and especially the future of the Hobart Private Hospital. Both state and federal governments have a role to play in making sure Tasmanians do not suffer as a result of this situation, and that the hospital does not close.
The 150 beds at Hobart Private play a massive role in the Tasmanian health system. The facility has also supported significant expansion in elective surgery delivery in recent years. If the hospital closes, these beds and this capacity will be lost. The consequences will be dire – not just for Hobart, but for statewide health services.
It’s no exaggeration to say this situation requires an emergency response from the Rockliff Government. All options should be on the table for saving this facility – including bringing the hospital into the public system. Of course, we also expect the Federal Government to play a role in responding to this crisis nationally, including through specific support for Tasmania.
Ever since the St Helen’s mental health facility was closed by Healthscope in 2023, the Greens have been calling for the Rockliff Government to undertake a broadscale review of private healthcare in Tasmania. We have argued that with private health services facing significant challenges both nationally and globally, the government should be proactively working to identify any key areas of reliance or risk, and coming up with plans to address them. So far this has not happened.
We have seen major flow on effects and problems since the St Helen’s facility closed, but these would pale in comparison to the consequences of losing the beds and services at Hobart Private. The government needs to treat this as an emergency and be open to all options to secure the future of this hospital.
