More patients in Warrnambool will get the high quality care they need thanks to grants from the Andrews Labor Government to improve mental health and rehabilitation facilities, as part of upgrades across the state.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced South West Healthcare and Wellways Australia Ltd in Warrnambool would receive funding through the Facilities Renewal Grants.
The Facilities Renewal Grants help existing mental health and alcohol and other drug services to improve facilities for consumers, carers, visitors and staff.
They enable services to tackle critical minor infrastructure and capital works, to ensure facilities meet contemporary standards regarding physical amenity, space and safety.
For South West Healthcare we are investing $52,029 to install specifically designed furniture within the high dependency unit and install anti-ligature bathroom handrails to improve safety and appropriate nursing care for consumers.
For Wellways Australia Ltd we are investing $76,362 to refurbish Unit 1 from 4 bedrooms to create two two- bedroom units and convert an outdoor recreational area into an undercover common room.
Visiting Ballarat this week, Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced $2.8 million for 26 mental health, alcohol and other drug facility renewal projects including Wodonga, Geelong, Belmont, Shepparton, Traralgon, Wonthaggi, Korumburra, Warrnambool, Hastings, Echuca, Kyneton, Wangaratta, Bairnsdale and Portland.
Many patients need support while in hospital dealing with the impact of their illnesses or injuries, especially patients with cancer, terminal illness, chronic illness or pain.
South West Healthcare will receive an additional $184,768 for consultant liaison pyschiatric services.
They are one of 8 health services to share in a $1.28 million boost to consultant liaison pyschiatric services in regional Victoria – Ballarat, Barwon, Bendigo, Goulburn, Latrobe, Mildura and Albury-Wodonga.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“This additional support will mean the Warrnambool community can access safe and modern facilities and services – no matter when they need it most.”
“Our consultant liaison services will mean patients receiving treatment for a major illness or injury can receive mental health support while they’re in hospital.”
“To provide the best mental health services, you need safe, modern facilities. That’s why we invested to build and upgrade mental health and alcohol and other drug facilities.”
“We’re ensuring staff and patients have the best support to get through a rough patch.”