Boost for Swanston
THE Swanston Centre will undergo a multimillion-dollar overhaul as part of a broad commitment to improve mental health services in Geelong.
Victorian acting Health Minister Martin Foley will today announce $3 million will be spent on remodelling the centre.
As part of the renovation, a purpose-built seclusion space will be added to the psychiatric unit, along with a four-bed intensive care area for assessment and treatment.
The overhaul, which will create 19 jobs during construction, is expected to be completed next year.
The centre currently provides 32 beds to support people with severe emotional and psychological problems.
Mr Foley will also announce a further $3.8 million for Barwon Health to spend on infrastructure renewal and programs targeting mental health, drugs and alcohol.
“We’re making sure more people in Geelong with acute mental illness have access to the treatment services they need, as soon as they need them,” he said.
“These projects will revitalise mental health care in Geelong, allowing for safer and more secure care and management of acutely unwell patients.”
The money stems from a $509 million commitment to Barwon Health made in last year’s State Budget.
It also comes two years after the State Government announced it would audit the organisation’s mental healh services amid concerns for patient safety. At the time, Mr Foley criticised Barwon Health for “inadequate practices” within the organisation’s mental health service.
In December, police sources told the Geelong Advertiser patients were running from the Swanston Centre on a daily basis.