Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley, today announced that Bamford Architects has been appointed to plan a new short-stay service to support people with a mental illness in Warrnambool.
The capital consultants have been engaged to plan, design and oversee construction of South West Healthcare’s $4.3 million new Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) facility.
PARC services deliver short-term residential treatment programs for people with a mental illness that focus on early intervention for people who are becoming unwell and for those in the early stages of recovery from an episode of acute illness.
It will allow people with a mental illness to receive both clinical treatment from South West Healthcare and community support services from Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria in a safe and supportive environment.
The eight-bed facility in Warrnambool will be the first PARC in Victoria to provide specific services for older Victorians with a mental illness.
There will be four beds for people aged 16 to 64 and four beds for people 65 and over. There will also be day places where people can receive outpatient services. This is an innovative approach to PARC services that creates flexible and responsive service that meets the needs of the local community.
Construction is scheduled to commence in 2016 with completion estimated for mid-2017.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley
“This new community-based service will support people in Warrnambool with a mental illness on their journey of recovery.”
“PARC units deliver a unique, home-like setting where people with a mental illness can get the support they need to successfully resume their lives back in the community.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to rebuilding the mental health sector after years of Liberal cuts. We are developing a landmark 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