Broome Mental Health Unit opened

Mental health services for the Kimberley and the Pilbara got a significant boost today with the official opening of the $9.

  • New $9.4million unit will serve the Kimberley and Pilbara

  • 80 per cent of patients will be treated locally

  • Only acute mental health facility north of Joondalup

Mental health services for the Kimberley and the Pilbara got a significant boost today with the official opening of the $9.4million Broome Mental Health Unit, Mabu Liyan.

Premier Colin Barnett and Mental Health Minister Helen Morton jointly opened the unit which will provide acute psychiatric inpatient care to people in the Kimberley and Pilbara.

"People who have had to previously travel thousands of kilometres for treatment will receive care locally with the support of their loved ones," Mr Barnett said.

"It is now the only acute mental health facility north of Joondalup."

Mrs Morton said the unit would open with 10 beds - eight open and two secure - and would be fully operational within 12 months with 14 beds.  It would care for both voluntary and involuntary patients.

"Six Aboriginal people will be employed in the Aboriginal mental health treatment team to bridge the gap and support the cultural needs of patients to ensure good outcomes."

The Broome Mental Health Unit will be fully integrated with Broome Hospital and managed by the Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service.

The first patients will be treated in the unit by the end of May.

      Fact File

  • For the first time the north of WA will have an acute mental health care unit

  • Broome Mental Health/Mabu Liyan will work closely with the Broome Recovery Centre, the community and service providers

Premier's office - 6552 5000

Mental Health Minister's office - 6552 6900