The Tasmanian Government has received formal notice from Healthscope of its intention to cease providing maternity services at Hobart Private Hospital.
Healthscope is required to give the Department of Health six months' minimum notice of any operator service change, meaning the earliest Healthscope can stop their service is late August 2025.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the Tasmanian Government is disappointed that Healthscope has made this commercial decision and called on the Federal Government to step up and do more to support private hospitals across the State.
"We understand this news would be concerning to those who may be affected, and we encourage Healthscope to provide detailed information to the community as soon as possible," Minister Petrusma said.
"Our Government stands ready to work with the Federal Government, key stakeholders and private providers such as Calvary Healthcare to support the additional requirements in capacity for birthing services in Southern Tasmania.
"With support from the Federal Government, we believe, alongside Calvary, that an increase of maternity service capacity at the Royal Hobart Hospital and Calvary Lenah Valley can be managed.
"However, private hospitals across the country raised the alarm last year about their viability, and instead of taking action to resolve the situation, the Federal Labor Government chose to walk away and do nothing.
"This means once again, the State is stepping in where the Federal Government has failed and they need to step up, do their job, and fix this urgently.
"The drop in financial viability for private hospital maternity services nationally can only be addressed by the Federal Labor Government.
"It is also the Federal Labor Government's jurisdiction to determine remuneration rates between private insurers and private hospitals.
"Our number one priority is ensuring mothers and babies have the appropriate support and services they need during their birthing journeys.
"Importantly, I would also like to reassure midwives and other maternity services staff currently working within the Hobart Private Hospital that we will work with them and health unions to assist those who wish to continue working in Tasmania following the cessation of services at the Hobart Private Hospital."
