Mental health splurge

Unit upgrade for better patient therapy experience

CAIRNS Hospital’s mental health unit will undergo a $7.24 million refurbishment to improve the vital service for Far North Queenslanders.

The redevelopment, however, will not include an expansion of beds for the ageing unit, which has been affected by capacity issues.

Health Minister Cameron Dick said the Government would deliver the project, which would see improve- ments made to patient rooms and bathrooms, by mid-2018.

The project, which will provide about 18 jobs during its construction, will also include a redevelopment of patient communal areas to make them more conducive to patient experiences and therapy.

“This refurbishment will improve the facility to the standard required to deliver modern health care and ensure our most vulnerable patients are treated in an environment conducive to positive outcomes,” the Minister said.

“We know that environment can greatly impact on mental health and wellbeing so this investment is crucial to the delivery of appropriate mental health care in Cairns.”

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service had placed the unit under review earlier this year, following concerns by union officials about staffing levels, funding and a lack of available beds.

Mr Dick said with mental health illnesses affecting one in four Australians during their lifetime, the Government was committed to providing infrastructure and services needed to ensure people could be treated in their communities.

“Our mental health clinicians in the Far North are highly experienced and dedicated, delivering exceptional care in what can sometimes be a challenging environment,” he said.

CHHHS chief executive Clare Douglas said it was important for the health service to improve the way it delivered mental health services.

“One of the ways we can improve mental health services in the Far North is by ensuring our facilities are as good as they can be,” she said.

“The odds are that you or someone in your family will, at some point in your lifetime, suffer a mental illness. It doesn’t discriminate.

“This refurbishment is one of the first steps we are taking to position the Health Service as a leader in mental health care delivery.”