Premier

New Mental Health Facility For Northern Mallee

25 October 2017

A new purpose-built 10-bed facility to support people with a mental illness will open in Mildura before Christmas, thanks to a $4.3 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley visited the Prevention and Recovery Care facility, which is located in close proximity to Mildura Base Hospital for easy access to other health support services.

The facility delivers treatment for people with a mental illness who are becoming unwell, and for those in the early stages of recovery from an episode of acute illness. With 24-hour support from clinicians and round-the-clock support staff, it is strongly focused on recovery in a home-like environment.

The Northern Mallee catchment and region has one of Victoria’s highest Aboriginal populations and as a result cultural factors were incorporated into the design of the facility.

Like many regional communities the Northern Mallee faces the challenges of substance abuse, particularly ice. The new facility offers not only individual rooms but accessibility to open spaces and a sleep-out – providing a safe space.

The facility will be operated in partnership between Mildura Base Hospital and a community-based organisation, which will be confirmed in the coming weeks. When complete there will be 25 Prevention and Recovery Care facilities in Victoria, providing local responses and alleviating pressure on hospitals.

In addition to the service, Mildura Base Hospital provides mental health inpatient and community mental health services, mental health triage in partnership with Bendigo Health, residential rehabilitation and drug withdrawal.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley

“This new mental health support service will boost and improve treatments and will ease the pressure on Mildura Base Hospital’s busy acute inpatient unit and Emergency Department.”

“I’m delighted to see that the new facility meets the community’s needs so well – with cultural considerations for Aboriginal people and culturally diverse communities creating a home away from home for people recovering from mental illness.”

"This will mean more mental health support services are available to local people, in their own communities."

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp

“These Prevention and Recovery Centres are a key part of our 10 Year Mental Health Plan for Victoria that will support people living with mental illness, as well as carers and mental health professionals.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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