Mental health capacity hit by fire restored next month, government says

Key points

• Tasmania's health minister says most of the North West Regional Hospital's mental health capacity will be restored in November after a fire damaged the facility. The 19-bed Spencer Clinic has been closed since the alleged arson attack last month.
• Health Minister Bridget Archer said 10 rooms will reopen next month, with additional beds available on the hospital campus. The Health and Community Services Union welcomed the measures but raised concerns about capacity issues.
• A new 22-bed mental health unit, promised in 2021, is expected to be completed by the first half of 2028.