Questions over vacant facility

•   The Tasmanian Government have revealed their plans for the vacant James Scott Wing attached to the NESM Hospital. 

By Taylor Clyne,
Febryary 02, 2022

Since the opening of the new Aminya Aged Care home in April last year the once fully functioning James Scott Wing has now been left dormant after 25 residents were transferred to the new facility.

Questions have been swirling throughout the community about the use of the space going forward especially with the increasing pressure on the health system through the state.

Mayor Greg Howard said Council had discussed ideas for its use with the Department of Health which included a secured dementia wing, possible accommodation for primary health staff or a transition facility between Northbourne and Aminya.

“It would be a great space to house those residents who aren’t quite at Aminya level and just need more support or supervision in their lives,” he said. 

May Shaw chief executive Fiona Onslow-Agnew explained that May Shaw still has the lease on the building which is due for renewal in April 2022.

“We commenced vacating the building in late December 2020, we are still finalising the vacation process and have maintained all amenities to be in working order and continue to do so,” she said.

“May Shaw are in negotiation to recommence lease arrangements with the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) for our day centre, kitchen, catering, laundry and other service areas around the building owned by Crown Land,” she said.

“That will then complete our current lease which also includes the James Scott Wing and the THS will have the building, as it is Crown Land.”

The 30-bed residential facility will then be handed over to the government who said they intend to use the facility for local health services.

“At the completion of the lease agreement, the James Scott Wing will be used to accommodate THS staff who are currently delivering services to the local community from the medical practice building which is separate from the North Eastern Soldiers Memorial Hospital (NESM),” Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff said. 

“This will allow these staff and services to be returned to the hospital.

“This in turn will free up consulting rooms in the medical practice building which will allow Ochre Health to increase the number of doctors at the site and expand general practice services available to Scottsdale and the broader Dorset Community.”

Minister Rockliff said the decision was made after targeted consultation with key internal stakeholders including staff of the NESM Hospital and key external stakeholders including Ochre Health.