A new community mental health 10-bed step up/step down service has been established for the Goldfields region and delivers on a McGowan Labor Government election commitment.
Opened by Premier Mark McGowan and Mental Health Minister Roger Cook today, the service will provide short-term residential support and specialist treatment for people experiencing mental health issues, in a support, community-based environment.
The service will provide the Goldfields region with another option other than Kalgoorlie Hospital, and allow individuals to find support close to their home and personal support networks as they progress their recovery.
The new Kalgoorlie service delivers on the WA State Priorities 2020-2024 and the McGowan Government’s commitment to assisting people with individualised care while remaining connected to their community and support networks.
The McGowan Government has invested more than $30 million to establish regional community mental health step up/step down services across the State.
Services are already operational in Albany, Bunbury, Joondalup and Rockingham, with another service opened in Geraldton this week, and Broome and Karratha on their way.
Over the next four years, the Kalgoorlie service will be funded with close to $10 million in State Government funding, creating local job opportunities through service provider Neami National and clinical services from the WA Country Health Service.
For more information about step up/step down services, visit https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/stepupstepdown
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“The establishment of this service will give residents in the Goldfields another option for their mental health treatment as it supports them and keeps them connected to their community, family, and friends.
“The services provide an opportunity to recover faster and avoid unnecessary stays in hospitals for those who don’t need one.
“My Government is committed to supporting the community to develop better mental health and wellbeing.”
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
“The McGowan Government has been working hard to provide all Western Australians with better access to mental health treatment and support when and where they need it.
“Mental health and wellbeing should be a priority for everyone – we are committed to providing supporting people to address issues earlier and have the support they need within their community.
“There is more we can do to improve our State’s mental health. As a community, we need to work together across all areas, from prevention to treatment and recovery.”
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
“Today has been a culmination of a lot of work which all started during the 2017 election with the candidate for WA Labor committing to the step up/step down facility.
“I am proud the McGowan Labor Government has delivered such a critical piece of health infrastructure and have no doubt this will change some people’s lives for the better.
“Having this facility will take pressure off the hospital as well as provide people with a local choice rather than travelling to the city for the resource.
“Mental health is an issue and in the regions can be even harder so I hope today’s announcement brings people with these issues comfort that they have a resource available.”
