Illawarra’s mental health units will receive a much-anticipated upgrade after receiving $1.2 million in state funding.
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The funds – part of a $20 million statewide spend – will be used to refresh and refurbish the mental health facilities at Wollongong and Shellharbour hospitals.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Director of Mental Health, Julie Carter, said work would soon be underway and would be completed by mid next year.
“Mirrabook, Eloura high care and acute assessment area (at Shellharbour) and Wollongong acute mental health units will receive new furniture, sensory modulation equipment and supplies for meaningful activities including drawing and painting,” she said.
“Refurbishment of the Eloura acute assessment area will also take place which will involve the replacement of flooring, tiles, doors, drawers and new paint works.
“ISLHD is committed to providing the best possible care for its consumers of mental health services and these upgrades will help us build on those amenities.”
The funding was announced on Monday by Health Minister Tanya Davies, and forms part of a $700 million Mental Health Infrastructure Program.
“This is part of the NSW Government’s long-term plan to help our mental health facilities refresh their physical environment so they support modern care models,” Ms Davies said.
“The $20 million investment is focused on delivering immediate benefits to help reduce, and where possible eliminate, the use of seclusion and restraint in NSW acute mental health facilities.”
It comes after a comprehensive review of the state’s public mental health services, which was sparked after horrific footage emerged of a patient’s final days at Lismore Base Hospital’s mental health unit in 2014.
Observation practices at Shellharbour Hospital’s mental health facilities have also come under scrutiny in recent years. In July 2014 a patient was killed by another patient at the Eloura West unit.
NSW chief psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright toured Shellharbour and Wollongong hospital’s mental health facilities in August 2017 as part of the statewide review.
Ms Carter said local consumer groups, carers and advocates of mental health had been consulted, and had helped identify what improvements needed to be made.
“We thank everyone for their input and look forward to continuing to work closely with these groups to maintain a high level of care for our community,” she said.
For mental health services phone the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. For crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.