At approximately 0930 hours, Wednesday 09 February 2011, police attended the Royal Hobart Hospital in relation to an unattended suit case which had been left in the main foyer of the Hospital off Liverpool Street, Hobart.

The unidentified suitcase caused hospital authorities to implement their emergency response plan resulting in Block ‘C’ of the hospital being evacuated.  C Block consists of the first four floors of the hospital adjacent to Liverpool Street.  This area is used predominately for out-patient care. 

Police undertook to isolate, contain and evacuate the surrounding area of Liverpool Street, between Argyle and Campbell Streets.  The Tasmania Police Bomb Response Group undertook to X-Ray the suitcase, which was later identified to contain medical equipment.   

The situation was resolved without incident.  The area of Liverpool Street outside the RHH was closed for approximately 1 hour.  Police and hospital authorities are continuing their enquiries in relation to the suitcase being left unattended in a public foyer.

“People should be more responsible and cognisant of the security implications and impact of leaving unattended bags in public areas, especially where the owner and contents of the bag is unknown,”  said Inspector Glen Woolley, Officer-in-Charge of the Hobart Division.

Inspector Woolley thanked all members of the public for their cooperation during the resolution of this incident.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2296