The Andrews Labor Government is providing more funding to give Mornington Peninsula and Frankston locals with mental illness and their families the best care and treatment facilities.
Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today announced a $1.5 million upgrade of the Peninsula Health Adult Mental Health Inpatient Service, which will improve the security and comfort of staff, patients and visitors.
The upgrade will include a new family lounge space, as well as improved dining, activity, music and computer spaces. An outdoor courtyard space will come complete with planters and vertical gardens.
The Labor Government’s investment will provide new air-lock doors, closed circuit television and security swipe systems, improving safety for patients and minimising occupational violence against mental health workers.
The Peninsula Health Adult Mental Health Inpatient Service at the Frankston Hospital will soon offer staff, patients and visitors the very best in mental health care, in line with Victoria’s 10-year Mental Health Plan.
Nearly half of all Victorians will experience a mental health illness in their lifetime. Each year, one in five Victorians experiences mental illness.
The Labor Government’s investment includes a $300,000 Health Service Violence Prevention Fund grant, which is helping reduce instances of violence in healthcare settings and against hospital staff.
International evidence shows good environmental design is key to preventing crime and violent behaviour. The Health Service Violence Prevention Fund is assisting health services to provide the safest facilities for staff, patients and visitors.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
“This facility will allow locals experiencing mental illness a chance to seek treatment in comfort, while ensuring staff can do their job in safety.”
“We promised to reduce violence at hospitals and mental health services and make facilities safer, and we’re getting on with it.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
“Frankston and Mornington Peninsula locals with mental health illnesses deserve the best possible care, and this investment will deliver just that.”
“Mental health workers do a great job providing a really important service. They deserve to be able to do their job safely, and we’re making sure they can.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020