The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering a new four-bed Mother Baby Centre in Launceston to support the wellbeing of young families in Northern Tasmania.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said being a parent, especially for new mums, is one of the toughest jobs in the world and the Centre would provide extra support for those families that need it.
“There’s no doubt that parenting is a difficult job, and providing the right support to mothers, babies and their families is so important to their health and wellbeing,” Minister Barnett said.
“This is a service that will help hundreds of families in Northern Tasmania. The four-bed centre will have rooms where mothers and their babies can stay, in the care of expert nurses, with children aged from newborn to three years old.”
The new $9 million centre will be established at the Launceston Health Hub, delivered in partnership with Tresillian Family Care.
“Planning and design work is underway and we expect it will be in operation by this time next year,” the Minister said.
“Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we want Tasmania to be the very best it can be, and by better supporting young families, we can deliver just that.”
CEO of Tresillian, Professor Rob Mills said that Tresillian’s vision is that all expectant families and those with infants and young children, have access to specialist early parenting advice, support, and care; especially during the first 1000 days of a child’s life.
“Tresillian is excited to be working with the Tasmanian Government and the local health professionals & community to deliver Tasmania’s first four-bed Mother Baby Centre at the Launceston Health Hub, with two new day service consultation rooms and a space to provide mental health support from the Gidget Foundation,” he said.
“The new Tresillian Centre will open in May 2025 and in the very near future we will be offering a critical tele-health parenting support service too, which will also support parents with stress, anxiety and/or depression.
“The opening of these services in Tasmania is a win for new parents and this state-wide Tresillian facility will enable many more families the opportunity to receive the support they need closer to where they live!” he concluded.
