Kununurra to have new purpose-built mental health clinic

16/12/99
Mental health facilities in the North-West of the State are being boosted with a new $1 million purpose-built clinic in Kununurra.
Health Minister John Day said work had commenced on the new Community Mental Health Clinic and associated community house on the Kununurra Health Services site.
Mr Day said the provision of mental health facilities throughout the State was a priority for the State Government and the Kununurra complex was the biggest single capital works project in the North-West this financial year.
"This project represents an important part of the Coalition Government's commitment to provide specialist health services in rural and remote communities throughout the State," Mr Day said.
"In particular it will eliminate the need for costly travel to metropolitan hospitals and, in many cases, major disruptions to family life."
Mr Day said the new purpose-built clinic would provide a permanent home for the community mental health team and visiting consultants. It was expected to be operational by next July.
"The clinic's facilities will include two dedicated interview rooms, a large multi-purpose conference room incorporating video conferencing for tele-pyschiatry as well as offices and staff amenities," he said.
The Minister said the Community House provided sleeping facilities for both patients and carers as well as kitchen, dining and bathroom facilities plus an extensive outdoor area.
"The Community House has been designed to provide a warm, welcoming environment which is vital in assisting with a patient's recuperation process," he said.
"The house allows for patients to be nursed in the local community and will enable family members and carers to be involved with their care.

"This will significantly decrease the need to transfer patients and only the most seriously ill will be referred to Graylands Hospital in Perth."
Mr Day said the complex was being built by Jaxon Construction Pty Ltd and both buildings would complement local environmental needs which were appropriate in the West Kimberley region.

The complex would be located between two existing clumps of well-established Boab trees and would be enhanced by extensive, reticulated landscaping.
Mr Day said the entire project was based on the Mental Health Clinic and Community House that was situated on the Broome Health Service site.
The Broome service had been operational for nearly two years and had proved very successful.
Media contact: Mark Thompson 9213 6600