Mental health unit 2 on Q shut

The Southern District Health Board has closed its centre for adult mental health services on Kew Rd while it waits for the results of building reports.

A sign on the gate now directs clients to Rata House – on the other side of town in MacMaster St.

The day activity centre – known as 2 on Q – was one of two outpatient facilities for Invercargill adults with mental health challenges and intellectual disabilities.

The centre was closed in January.

Southern DHB acting general manager for mental health, addictions, and disability services Steve Baynes said the 2 on Q building required new consents relating to accessibility and fire engineer reports.

The building might need some work before its considered complaint, Baynes said.

‘‘Whether this closure is to be permanent has yet to be decided. Southern DHB management is reviewing this in partnership with key stakeholders,’’ he said.

Baynes described the day activity service as a recoveryoriented service to help patients with mental illness develop life skills and build relationships.

The same activities offered by 2 on Q are available at Rata House, he said, adding that clients were being encouraged to attend programmes there instead.

‘‘Rata House has the capacity to accommodate this group of people,’’ Baynes said.

Staff from 2 on Q have also been moved to Rata House and the work hours remained the same, he said.

‘‘The relocation of these patients and staff provides opportunities for activities linking in with the community, including socialisation and life skills,’’ he said.

‘‘Other activity options available to community mental health patients in Invercargill include Bainfield Organic Gardens and Pact.’’