New mental health facility opens in Rockingham

A $5.9 million mental health facility opened in Rockingham on Wednesday.

It is the State’s second community step-up, step-down mental health care facility.

The service 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 the 10-bed short-term residential service was the second of five such facilities planned for WA.

“Planning and establishing these facilities is one of the most significant mental health reforms introduced by this Government,” she said.

“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 $1,384 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.

“This is an innovative partnership between State Government and a community organisation, providing West Australians with the best value and outcomes for their healthcare dollar,” the Minister said.