An additional 144 beds for acutely unwell mental health patients will be fast-tracked across Victoria’s most needed districts, Minister Foley has announced.
“We have previously announced, as the Royal Commission had indicated, the important work that needed to be done in the Barwon region, the western suburbs, the Melbourne health catchment and the northern hospital catchment as the areas most in demand,” Minister Foley said.
Also set to be fast-tracked using new funds announced today is the state’s Hospital Outreach Post-Suicidal after Engagement (HOPE) program.
The new program’s rollout to the last seven of the 23 health regions yet to receive those services will be brought forward.
The program provides support to those who have either attempted suicide or who have expressed an intention of doing so.
“That program is an amazing program and one that Victoria leads the nation with,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
“One of the recommendations of the Royal Commission (into Mental Health) was that it be extended across the board and today’s announcement adds to that and brings forward the universal rollout of that program.
“Anyone with suicidal thoughts, anyone who has tried to act on those thoughts, gets that wrap-around service, personalised and local in a familiar environment in a nonclinical environment wherever possible.”
Source: 9News
