Released 04/09/2020
A new Mental Health Low Dependency Unit (LDU) will be delivered at Canberra Hospital providing an additional 10 beds through the complete refurbishment of Ward 12B.
The new Low Dependency Unit will be delivered as quickly as possible, with the project ready to commence immediately and completion expected in mid-2021.
Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury said that today’s announcement was great news for Canberrans who required inpatient care, helping to address a sustained increase in demand for mental health services over recent times.
“The 12B Low Dependency Unit will reduce waiting times for mental health patients and improve access to specialised and individual interventions, reducing recovery time and length of stay in hospital,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“These additional beds will also improve patient flow throughout the system, reducing pressure on acute and sub-acute inpatient beds.
“Since around 2014/15, there has been a 68% growth in the number of Emergency Department presentations admitted to the Adult Mental Health Unit,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“Ultimately, we expect to see improved patient outcomes through faster admission and access to the mental health services that the patient needs.”
A range of new infrastructure projects are already underway, or in the early planning stages, to improve mental health services in the ACT.
These projects include:
- The Southside Community Step-Up Step-Down facility, which will be completed later this year;
- The Extended Care Unit at Brian Hennessy Rehabilitation Centre, due for completion late 2020
- A new Neurostimulation Therapy Suite at the Adult Mental Health Unit, due for completion in early 2021
- The Adolescent Mental Health Unit as part of the expansion of the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children due in late 2022
- Planning for a Eating Disorders Residential Treatment Facility is underway, and
- Two new supported accommodation houses have recently been completed and tenancy and support providers will be established soon.
“We are also upgrading the Adult Mental Health Unit to allow for flexibility to increase the number of High Dependency (HDU) beds across the Territory to meet the increasing demand for people requiring access to high acuity services,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“Additionally, two Safe Haven Peer Led Cafés will be established where people can interact with staff with lived experience in a safe environment.
“This investment aims to develop a dynamic and flexible service that improves safety for staff and consumers and improves the quality of care that can be provided,” the Minister said.
The ACT Government is committed to continuing to grow the mental health system to address increasing demands for services.
Funding of $10 million has been provided under the Australian Government’s Community Health and Hospitals Program (CHHP) to be used for investing in critical infrastructure and services to better meet the health care needs of the ACT.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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