A new Mental Health Emergency Centre (MHEC) at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) has been officially opened today by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook.
The $1.15 million inner-city facility is next to the hospital’s emergency department and has a low-stimulus, short-stay environment for people with specific mental health issues.
It has been designed for people to stay for up to 72 hours, includes eight treatment spaces and is staffed by specialised, highly trained mental health professionals.
The centre was developed in consultation with key stakeholders and consumers, and will deliver a contemporary model of care that will be individually tailored for each person and their needs.
People presenting to the Royal Perth Hospital emergency department with acute mental health problems will be assessed against set criteria and then admitted if appropriate to the new mental health facility.
The centre is part of the State Government’s ongoing investment in RPH to ensure world-class care for all hospital and service users.
In April, a $22.7 million upgrade of the Intensive Care Unit was announced, and in July, a new $9 million helipad was announced that will further enhance RPH’s critical services and patient care.
As part of the McGowan Government’s State-wide commitment to mental health, $1 million was allocated late last year to develop a Mental Health Emergency Centre at St John of God Midland Public Hospital.
It is expected to be operational by late 2021.
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
“This new, inner-city Mental Health Emergency Centre honours a key election commitment of the McGowan Labor Government to help the most vulnerable members of our community experiencing acute mental health or behavioural episodes.
“This new low-stimulus, short-stay environment will not only greatly benefit those in need of assistance by providing dedicated, specialised resources, but it will also free up vital beds in the hospital’s busy emergency department.
“The MHEC team will provide inpatient care and liaise with the emergency department so there will be a single point of co-ordinated care for someone who needs help with their mental health needs.
“This care will be underpinned by collaborative relationships between the MHEC and its referrers providing better care for mental health consumers.”
