Arabic version: إغلاق جناح للصحة النفسية إثر حريق يزيد الضغط على أسرّة تسمانيا

According to ABC News, an alleged deliberately lit fire has forced the closure of the 19-bed Spencer Clinic mental health inpatient unit at Burnie’s North West Regional Hospital. Police have charged a 28-year-old woman with one count of arson after the Saturday night fire, which caused extensive damage to part of the clinic and sent smoke through most areas.

The ward was full when it was evacuated. Health and Community Services Union representative Robbie Moore said the clinic had operated over capacity for most of the past 12 months, while mental health beds elsewhere in Tasmania were already under pressure.

Patients have been transferred to North West Private Hospital and Launceston General Hospital, with some due to move to Royal Hobart Hospital. Mr Moore said both public hospitals were at capacity and warned that people needing services could face major issues. He said hospital-in-the-home care could provide some support while the loss of beds is addressed.

Tasmanian health secretary Dale Webster said it was too early to know whether the existing clinic could be restored and reopened. Building surveyors and insurance assessors were expected to enter the unit once it was handed back by the fire service. He said no-one was injured and credited staff and emergency services for limiting further damage.

The state government has plans for a $40 million replacement mental health precinct, scheduled to provide places for 22 patients by mid-2028. Mr Webster said the department would try to bring that project online before its current deadline. Authorities said people experiencing a mental health crisis should still attend the North West Regional Hospital emergency department, or call Triple Zero in an emergency.