PREMIER Mark McGowan and Health Minister Roger Cook today announced funding towards the detailed planning works required to develop a four-bed mental health observation area at St John of God Midland Public Hospital.
The State Government has allocated $1 million towards the Mental Health Emergency Centre, which will specifically cater for people with drug, alcohol and acute mental health related issues.
The centre will provide patients with care in a private space that is away from the hospital’s busy emergency department.
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READ NOWLast financial year, more than 71,000 presentations were made to Midland Hospital’s emergency department, a seven per cent increase over the previous year.
The emergency department sees about 12 people per day with mental health, toxicology or behavioural issues.
The hospital forms part of the East Metropolitan Health Service and is located in a growing region, with an expected population increase of about 50 per cent by 2036 in the City of Swan.
Mental health observation areas are already established at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Joondalup Health Campus.
As part of the 2018-19 State Budget, the McGowan Labor Government has committed $11.4 million towards the establishment of a MHOA at Royal Perth Hospital.
Mr Cook said the funding will go towards helping the most vulnerable members of our community experiencing acute mental health or behavioural episodes.
“Patients will benefit from being treated in a dedicated treatment area in a low stimulus environment. In addition, it will free up vital beds in the hospital’s busy ED.”