Proposal to transform health servies for young mentally ill

20/12/93

Health services for the young mentally ill will be transformed next year under a proposal put forward by the East Metropolitan Region Health Service.

The proposed overhaul of services announced today by general manager of the EMRHS Dr Rex Joyner is in line with priorities identified at both the Metropolitan Mental Health Planning Day in August this year and last year's Ministerial Taskforce into Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services.  It includes a proposal for the development of a new unit at Bentley Hospital.

Dr Joyner said the need for reform was urgent because of the complete lack of dedicated approved hospital beds for the treatment of severely disturbed or psychotic adolescents.  At present, such patients are referred to adult facilities such as Graylands or Heathcote for treatment.

The proposed unit at Bentley Hospital would provide a total of 12 beds, including four approved beds, for the residential assessment and treatment of mentally ill adolescents.

The new facility would replace the major component of services currently provided at the Hillview site which comprises Hillview Hospital, Hillview Clinic and the Robinson Unit.

Under the plan, other services provided at Hillview would be relocated to more appropriate facilities.  Hillview Clinic services would continue with an increased community focus and as a Statewide service basis.  Inpatient services for children would be provided through Princess Margaret Hospital and Stubbs Terrace Hospital.

Dr Joyner said the proposed refocussing and relocation of individual services were intended to bring about a significant improvement in services through an improved allocation of resources. 

"Our aim is better to meet the mental health needs of children and adolescents, many of whom are simply not receiving the most appropriate treatment," he said.

The proposed relocations and subsequent closure of the Hillview site are consistent with the National Mental Health Policy of 'mainstreaming' mental health services with general health services.  In addition, the Hillview site is physically and professionally isolated from other mental health services, whereas the Bentley site would have mental health services for adults as well as general services.

Another factor under consideration is the poor physical condition of the Hillview Hospital building which is considered inappropriate for any redevelopment because of its National Trust classification.

While a final decision has not been made, an early decision to proceed would allow the changes to be implemented by July 1994, Dr Joyner said.  A consultation process involving staff, unions and community groups had already indicated a positive response.

Meanwhile, responding to media reports about the proposal, Health Minister Peter Foss said he was disappointed that the consultation process had been undermined.

"This is one example where people making public comments during consultation are jeopardising the process for others," Mr Foss said.

"I am very keen that consultation take place whenever we are considering changes and I have insisted my department do so, but consultation brings with it a measure of trust.

"One group after benefiting from consultation cannot deprive others of a proper opportunity to be advised and consulted by taking it instantly into the public arena for debate."

For further reference, please contact:  Penny Hepple, Public Relations Officer, Royal Perth Hospital 224 3943