Premier Mark McGowan and Health and Mental Health Minister Roger Cook today announced funding towards the detailed planning works required to develop a Mental Health Observation Area (MHOA) at St John of God Midland Public Hospital, which will be called ‘The Midland Hospital Mental Health Emergency Centre.’
The McGowan Government has allocated $1 million towards the Mental Health Emergency Centre, which will specifically cater for people with drug, alcohol and acute mental health related issues.
Specially trained staff will provide appropriate care and the space will initially incorporate four patient beds and two chairs.
The centre will provide patients with timely care in a private and appropriate space that is away from the hospital’s busy emergency department.
Last financial year, more than 71,000 presentations were made to the St John of God Midland Public Hospital’s emergency department, a seven per cent increase over the previous year.
As one of the busiest emergency departments in Western Australia, St John of God Midland Public Hospital’s emergency department sees about 12 people per day with mental health, toxicology or behavioural issues.
The hospital forms part of the East Metropolitan Health Service and is located in a growing region, with an expected population increase of about 50 per cent by 2036 in the City of Swan.
Mental Health Observation Areas are already established at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Joondalup Health Campus.
As part of the 2018-19 State Budget, the McGowan Labor Government has committed $11.4 million towards the establishment of a MHOA at Royal Perth Hospital.
As noted by Premier Mark McGowan:
“This centre will provide a dedicated and appropriate environment for people experiencing drug, alcohol and acute mental health issues.
“This funding highlights the State Government’s commitment to addressing toxicology and mental health issues in the wider community.
“It’s important to do everything we can to remove the stigmas that are still associated with mental health conditions.
“We need to send a message, particularly to young Western Australians, that help is available.”
As noted by Health and Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
“This funding will go towards helping the most vulnerable members of our community experiencing acute mental health or behavioural episodes.
“Today’s announcement brings the number of Mental Health Observation Areas in Western Australia to four, once it is complete.
“Patients will benefit from being treated in a dedicated treatment area in a low stimulus environment. In addition, it will free up vital beds in the hospital’s busy ED.
“As part of our long-term commitment towards this vital service, the Mental Health Commission will be providing $1 million annually towards its operations.”
