The AMA Tasmania opposes closure of Clare House

AMA Tasmania President Dr Michael Lumsden-Steel said the proposal risks compromising therapeutic care, workforce stability and access for vulnerable children and families.

“While an old building and far from perfect, Clare House provides space, natural light, gardens, and a welcoming environment for children. These are not luxuries; they are fundamental to effective mental health care,” Dr Lumsden-Steel said.

“The proposed CBD tenancy at Watchorn Street has no public parking, limited soundproofed clinical rooms, inadequate therapeutic space and raises concerns about mixing forensic clients with young children.

“Our doctors are concerned about the inadequate clinical space, loss of privacy, unsafe cohort mixing and the erosion of a therapeutic working environment with the Watchorn Street proposal. Some may even leave should the move go ahead.

“In a fragile mental health workforce environment, changes that risk staff departures must not proceed without rigorous assessment,” Dr Lumsden-Steel said.

The AMA is also concerned that this proposal has not been raised with families who attend Clare House, who are affected by the proposed change.

“At the very least, families and patients should have an opportunity to be heard about this change and a proposed hub and spoke model of care that will impact how and where they access mental health services.”

If St John’s Park is intended to become a long-term mental health precinct, the AMA Tasmania questions why Clare House would be closed before suitable purpose-designed facilities are available.

“Mental health services for children and young people must be safe, accessible and therapeutic. At present, this proposal does not meet that standard.”

The AMA is calling for the change to be withdrawn and for full clinical, workforce and consumer consultation to occur before any final decision is made.>>>ENDS