MBU Shock Closure

This week's shock announcement of the imminent closure of the Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) at the St Helens Hospital alarmed GP's and families around Tasmania.

Dr Tim Jones and Dr Frances Rose, who both consult as Specialist General Practitioners at Glebe Hill Family Practice during the week, have both also been working with families at the MBU for several years after hours. We were shocked to hear the announcement and have been advocating for an urgent solution.

You might have heard Dr Tim Jones speaking on ABC Radio earlier this week, and seen Dr Frances Rose, Dr Marita Jones and Dr Tim Jones in the Mercury advocating on this issue.

The MBU is essential to maintaining the best supports for Tamanian families. It's the only residential facility for caring for families with a child aged under 12 months who are struggling and need specialised round-the-clock care. Common reasons for admission are maternal exhaustion and difficulties with infant settling, sleeping and feeding.

We welcome this morning's news that Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff has announced that the MBU will continue at The Royal Hobart Hospital, ensuring continuity of care for families in need.

Whilst it's great that psychiatric patients will have a safer space within the RHH, what we really need is a dedicated early intervention space in the community for struggling parents and families. We hope for further announcements in this space.