Labor delivers on pledge to help mentally ill youth

A NEW facility will be established to help mentally ill young people transition back into the community.

Health Minister Cameron Dick said the expansion of services in Townsville would include establishing two fourbed youth residential rehabilitation facilities that will support up to eight young people living with a serious mental health illness.

Labor promised to establish the facility during the election campaign.

‘‘ The service will commence later this year and provide contemporary and appropriate care to young people in a set- ting that is closer to their family, friends and support networks,” Mr Dick said.

‘‘ The model of care will also see young North Queenslanders cared for in an environment that is less restrictive than an acute mental health environment.’’

Mr Dick said the new facili- ties were aimed at young people who had passed the acute stage of treatment.

The service will be delivered by a non- government organisation in partnership with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.

There will be support staff on- site 24/ 7, with specialists providing clinical when required.

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service currently has an eight- bed adolescent acute inpatient service with a 12- place adolescent day program, but no ongoing program for young people who have moved on from the acute stage.

treatment