New lease of life for critical CBD medical accommodation

Today the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) opened Marillac House Hobart, offering affordable accommodation for patients, families and carers who are travelling to Hobart for health-related purposes.

Situated on the corner of Murray and Bathurst Streets in the CBD, Marillac House Hobart has been established on the site of the former John Opie House and is a new ‘Special Work’ of the Society.

State President Corey McGrath said with John Opie House closing it’s doors last year, the Society has worked with the landlord and other stakeholders to keep a similar service available to patients and families.

“Over the past six months we have worked proactively with the landlord, building contractors, local service clubs, hospitals and other medical service providers to not just keep the accomodation open, but also make some much needed upgrades to the space,” Corey said.

“There are fifteen rooms available, including two family rooms that can accommodate up to four guests and communal lounge areas and a spacious dining and kitchen area where guests can relax and mingle with each other.”

While previously the accommodation was focused on those travelling for cancer treatment, it is now available for all types of medical treatment, with guests referred to the house by hospitals and clinics.

The operations will employ two people, supported by a number of volunteers who dedicate their time to help maintain the service and upkeep of the home.

This is a replication of services delivered by the Society in the north of the state, with Marillac House Launceston operating the former Maldon Hotel site in Brisbane Street since 2007.

“Marillac House Hobart is a welcoming place of comfort for people who are far from home and experiencing the stresses of medical treatment and is in keeping with Vinnies’ philosophy of caring,” Corey said.

“Making this kind of quality accommodation affordable will have a financial impact on Vinnies. We know from our experience operating Marillac House Launceston that this service needs subsidising to break even, so we will need the assistance of Vinnies Members and the community for volunteer assistance and donations to ensure the service can continue.”