A new Geraldton community mental health 10-bed step up/step down service has been established for the Mid-West region and delivers on a McGowan Labor Government election commitment.
The service was opened by Premier Mark McGowan and Mental Health Minister Roger Cook today and will provide short-term residential support and specialised treatment for people experiencing mental health issues in a supportive, community-based environment.
It will start accepting individuals from March and will provide 24/7 residential support and individualised care enabling individuals to progress their recovery close to their home, community, and individual support networks.
The new Geraldton Step Up/Step Down facility will be complemented by expanded mental health facilities as part of the $73.3 million redevelopment of Geraldton Hospital.
The redevelopment will include a new integrated mental health service, including acute psychiatric unit and a mental health short stay unit.
The McGowan Government has invested more than $30 million in capital funding to establish regional community mental health step up/step down services across the State.
Services are already operational in Albany, Bunbury, Joondalup and Rockingham, with Kalgoorlie, Broome and Karratha on their way.
Over the next four years, the Geraldton service will be funded with close to $10 million in State Government funding, creating local job opportunities in the Mid-West through service provider Neami National and clinical services from the WA Country Health Service.
The Geraldton service delivers on a key priority in the WA State Priorities 2020-2024 for mental health, alcohol and other drugs, boosting community services in the Mid-West.
For more information about step up/step down services, visit http://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/stepupstepdown
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Community mental health step up/step down services provide essential support to Western Australians who want an alternative that allows them to progress their recovery closer to home, closer to their family and friends and their support base.
"The services offer the opportunity to recover faster, in a community-based environment, and avoid unnecessary stays in hospitals.
"The establishment of this service will give people living in the Mid-West region an extra option for their mental health treatment and support, keeping them connected to their support network, and alleviates pressure on our hospital services.
"I'm pleased my Government has been able deliver this service which was an important election commitment for the Mid-West region and I thank Agricultural Regional MLCs Laurie Graham and Darren West for their strong advocacy on this project."
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The McGowan Government is committed to providing all Western Australians with the opportunity to access support when they need it, and treatment opportunities in the regions where they live.
"Mental health and wellbeing should be a priority for everyone - it is an essential part of staying healthy and well, and being able to live a fulfilling and rewarding life.
"Step up/step down services have been having a great impact in Joondalup, Rockingham, Albany and Bunbury and I'm thrilled Mid-West community with also be benefiting from this.
"Neami National, the WA Country Health Service and our many partner organisations in the region will be working together to deliver wrap-around, holistic, community-based services, greatly assisted by this fantastic new facility."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham:
"This is a historic moment for Geraldton, never before have we had this level of mental health services available in the Mid West.
"This step up/step down facility will make a real difference for people in their time of need, keeping them close to family, friends and support networks.
"I am so proud to be part of the McGowan Labor Government, delivering real outcomes in regional WA."
Mental Health Minister's office - 6552 6500
