More mental health, alcohol and drug support for Mid-West

  • $2.4 million allocated to fast track the Geraldton community mental health step up/step down service
  • Boost to regional support for people with mental health, alcohol and other drug issues
  • The McGowan Government is fast tracking the delivery of a Geraldton community mental health step up/step down service with $2.4 million allocated in the 2019/20 Mid-Year Review.

    The 10-bed short-term, residential mental health service is expected to open early 2021, bringing forward the State Government’s election commitment to strengthen quality healthcare for the Mid-West region.

    The service will provide support for people in the Mid-West experiencing issues with their mental health in a residential style setting, close to support from their family and friends.

    Step up/step down services can reduce hospital admissions by providing help to people experiencing a mental health episode in the community, and they can also serve as a short-stay transition for people being discharged from hospital.

    For support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 for 24/7 free counselling, or visit your general practitioner. In a crisis situation call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Rurallink on 1800 552 002.

    As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:

    “The McGowan Government is committed to providing people with options when it comes to mental health recovery, which is why we are fast tracking this important service for the Mid-West.

    “This service will complement the $73.3 million Geraldton Health Campus redevelopment, which will include a new integrated mental health service inclusive of an acute psychiatric unit and mental health short stay unit.

    “Investing in regional services is essential, because we know people recover better from mental health, alcohol and other drug issues when they can receive care, support and treatment in their own community, close to home, family and friends.

    “Community mental health step up/step down services play an integral role in keeping people out of hospital and in their communities.”

    As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:

     “I am proud to be part of the McGowan Government that is providing mental health services in Geraldton.

    “We know this service is much needed in Geraldton and I thank Minister Cook for bringing this project forward.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.