- Work under way on $3.8million facility to provide transitional housing for 22 mental health clients
- 22 one-bedroom, self-contained units, with a combined community and administration building which will allow residents to cook, eat, relax and socialise
Construction of a 22-bed, 24-hour sub-acute care facility for people with mental illness to help them recover after hospital treatment started today in Joondalup.
The first of its kind in Western Australia, the $3.8million facility will accommodate patients for up to 90 days to receive supportive care and participate in individualised programs aimed at helping them live successfully and independently in the community.
Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said the facility would allow people with mental illness to be discharged from hospital earlier, after an acute illness and receive the care they need as they settle back into the community.
“Alternatively, for people who are becoming unwell, it allows them to receive the support they need to stay out of hospital,” Mrs Morton said.
“This type of accommodation is essential to give people the best chance of recovery and living successfully in our community.”
Housing Minister Troy Buswell said funding for the sub acute facility was from the State Government’s 2011-12 Budget commitment of more than $70million for housing and support services for mental health clients.
“The significant budget allocation for mental health housing and services this year acknowledged that there are people with special needs all over WA and the Liberal-National Government is progressing several innovative projects to meet these needs,” Mr Buswell said.
The Department of Housing is managing construction of the facility, which is expected to be completed in mid-2012.
Fact File
10-year vision for mental health
2011-12 mental health budget information
Mental Health Minister’s office - 9213 7250
Housing Minister’s office - 9213 6900