$5.9m mental health facility lift for region

A $5.9 million, 10-bed mental health facility was opened in Rockingham last week.

WA’s second community step-up, step-down mental health care facility has been established in Shoalwater and will provide short-term residential support and individualised care for people following hospitalisation for mental illness, or at risk of deteriorating mental health.

Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell said five such facilities were planned for WA.

“We know that by offering recovery-focused care, close to support from family and friends, and by strengthening services in the community, we can provide more effective care as well as reduce demand for hospital beds.

“In 2015-16, an acute-care mental health bed in a WA hospital cost on average $1384 a day, compared with $595 in a community step-up, step-down service.”

Step-up, step-down services promote recovery and independence by removing much of the trauma and stigma that can result from time spent in hospital due to mental health issues.

The South Metropolitan Health Service will provide the on-site clinical support services, with non-government organisation Mind Australia providing recovery oriented support services.