Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today officially opened the redeveloped Mercy Health Ursula Frayne Centre at Western Health’s Footscray campus.
The opening of the 16-bed facility coincides with Mental Health Week 2015 (October 4-10), which Mr Foley will launch later today at Federation Square.
The newly refurbished Ursula Frayne Centre provides inpatient treatment and care for adults who are experiencing acute mental illness.
It features separate men’s and women’s quarters, and supports the involvement of carers and family members.
A multi-disciplinary team operates from the Centre to help patients in their recovery.
Redevelopment of the 16-bed acute adult mental health inpatient unit (incorporating a four-bed psychiatric assessment and planning unit) was funded by $2 million from the Commonwealth and $2.2 million from the state.
The Ursula Frayne Centre will help in meeting high demand for adult acute inpatient mental health services in the south-western metropolitan growth area of Melbourne.
Another refurbishment is under way at Mercy Health’s Werribee facility. An extra 25 adult acute inpatient beds being opened will result in a 54-bed acute mental health facility. This redevelopment is expected to open in 2016-17.
The Ursula Frayne Centre is next to the 16-bed Melbourne Health Orygen Youth Health inpatient unit, which admits young adults aged 16-25 years, further helping local people to access the right care in a timely manner.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley:
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to building a world-class mental health system for Victorians. This $4.2 million refurbishment of the Ursula Frayne Centre will make a practical difference to people in the west with mental health issues, and to the staff who care for them.”
“Mental Health Week is an opportunity for us to appreciate the strengths of our mental health system, and to recognise the passion and commitment of those who work in our mental health services. It’s also a chance to look at ways to improve outcomes for individuals who experience mental illness and their families.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020