Opening of new Coastal and Wheatbelt Mental Health Service

24/8/99
Facilities and services for people suffering from mental health problems in the Midlands region will be boosted through the opening of a new Coastal and Wheatbelt Mental Health Service.
Health Minister John Day said the new service had been formed by an amalgamation of four districts - Avon, Eastern Wheatbelt, Central Wheatbelt and Western Health Services.
Mr Day said State Government funding of $1.18 million for the Coastal and Wheatbelt region was more than double last year's funding for the four districts.
"The new service is part of a $10 million State Government commitment in this year's budget to improving mental health services throughout the State," he said.
"The Government's aim is to provide high quality health care that is close to home, and in line with the specific needs of communities throughout the State, regardless of their location."
Mr Day said the amalgamation of the districts was part of a re-arrangement of rural mental health services in WA into six regions. The new regional services increased the availability of clinical services.
"The creation of six regions in rural Western Australia ensures that a comprehensive range of services will be available across the districts by staff with high standards in specialty skills," the Minister said.
"The restructuring of the district model of management to regional delivery of services adds to the value of the services already being given to the people in these communities."
Mr Day said in September phase one of videoconferencing technology would start being used by the Regional Consultant Psychiatry Service, with link-ups between Moora, Quairading and Merredin.
"Over the next year partnerships with other organisations will be developed so airtime can be purchased in smaller towns," he said.
"Phase two will see the service become available in the coastal towns of Jurien/Leeman and Lancelin.
"People in the Midlands regions can be justifiably confident knowing that high quality mental health services and facilities are available closer to home and therefore remove the need for people to have to travel to Perth for treatment."
Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9213 6600