FUNDING BOOST FOR METRO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES


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Thursday, 6 April, 2017

FUNDING BOOST FOR METRO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Patients across Melbourne will receive better mental health support thanks to a $1.71 million funding boost provided to eight health services. The money will be used to strengthen their consultant liaison pyschiatric services, which help patients in general hospital wards who need help to stay mentally well due to the impact of their illnesses or injuries. This is especially the case for patients with cancer, terminal illness, chronic illness or pain. Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley made the annoucement this morning at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Other health services to benefit are the Alfred, Austin, Eastern, Monash, Peninsula, Royal Childrens and St Vincent’s Health. Minister Foley also announced funding of $5.47 million to improve 21 mental health and alcohol and other drug rehabilitation facilities across Melbourne. The Facilities Renewal Grants will help existing mental health and alcohol and other drug services to improve their facilities for consumers, carers, visitors and staff. They enable services to tackle critical minor infrastructure and capital works, ensuring they meet contemporary standards regarding physical amenity, space and safety. Examples of projects funded in the grants include installing a duress alarm system at Normanby House at St George’s Hospital, upgrading airconditioning at Caulfield Hospital, refurbishing bathrooms in the Community Care Unit at Frankston Hospital, and upgrading the treatment room at Broadmeadows Acute Mental Health Aged Care Unit. Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley “Our consultant liaison services will mean patients receiving treatment for a major illness or injury can receive crucial mental health support while they’re in hospital” “To provide the best mental health services, you need safe, modern facilities. That’s why we invested to build and upgrade mental health and alcohol and other drug facilities.” “This support will mean that even if you aren’t physically well, you have the chance to stay mentally well.”

Media Contact: Hayley McNaughton 0424 753 775 | [email protected]