The Hobart Clinic has officially reopened its Rokeby inpatient facility, but the State Government’s self-congratulatory narrative of a “swift” rescue glosses over the weeks of uncertainty that nearly saw the facility close for good.
While Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer praised the reopening today as a win for “swift action,” the timeline tells a different story.
The Clinic’s board originally announced the closure of the 27-bed facility in mid-September, citing financial unsustainability.
At that time, the Government’s response was not to intervene but to prepare for the fallout. Archer initially expressed disappointment but noted that the Department of Health would merely support the transition of patients into an already strained public system.
It was only after a concerted campaign by the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU), the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), and political independents that the Government shifted its stance. Critics argued strenuously that the Royal Hobart Hospital, already bed-blocked and under pressure, would collapse under the additional demand if the private facility vanished.
The “swift” intervention arrived nearly a month later, on 14 October, when the Government finally announced a $2 million transition grant.
This eleventh-hour lifeline came just two weeks before the Clinic was scheduled to shut its doors on 31 October.
The grant provides funding for six months, allowing the Clinic to review its operating model. However, the long-term future remains opaque.
Archer used today’s reopening to pivot pressure onto Canberra, stating it is “incumbent on the Federal Labor Government to deliver for Tasmania.”
“Time and time again, our Government has stepped in to resolve Federal responsibilities,” Archer said, calling on the Commonwealth to assist with the Clinic’s long-term viability.
For the staff and patients who faced weeks of job and care insecurity, the relief of reopening is palpable. Yet, the question remains whether this six-month reprieve is a genuine solution or merely a pause button pressed by a Government that was forced to act.
This video from October captures the moment the funding was finally announced, contrasting the “relief” of the decision with the preceding weeks of crisis that the government is now attempting to downplay.
ABC video – [Hobart mental health facility offered six-month lifeline]
Government Grant Saves Hobart Clinic, Drawing Mixed Reaction
The Hobart Clinic officially reopens
The Hobart Clinic’s inpatient clinic in Rokeby has officially reopened following swift action from the Tasmanian Government to save the facility.
The private mental health provider temporarily closed its 27-bed site in Rokeby in October before reopening on 17 November, supported by a one-off $2 million grant from the Tasmanian Liberal Government.
This transition funding will allow The Hobart Clinic to keep the doors open for six months, giving them time to work through their operating model and long-term viability.
Attending an event to mark the official reopening of the inpatient clinic today, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said it was fantastic to see The Hobart Clinic’s inpatient clinic open once again.
“The Hobart Clinic plays a valued role in Southern Tasmania’s mental health system, providing a choice and catering to the needs of hundreds of clients who require non-acute private mental health care,” Archer said.
“Our Government was quick to act and find an interim solution that allows The Hobart Clinic to move ahead with the work needed to strengthen its long-term sustainability.
“I’d like to thank the Clinic’s staff, patients and their families and carers for their patience and resilience throughout this period.
“I look forward to hearing about The Hobart Clinic’s progress working toward a strong future of the service under the stewardship of its renewed team and Board.”
Archer said it is time the Federal Government stepped up to assist the Clinic’s long-term viability.
“Time and time again, our Government has stepped in to resolve Federal responsibilities, but it is now incumbent on the Federal Labor Government to deliver for Tasmania,” Archer said.
“In the meantime, we remain focused on delivering our long-term public mental health strategy.
“This includes expanding community-based and early-intervention services, and delivering new public mental-health facilities in New Town, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie.”
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