- Construction
of 40 new mental health beds begins at Fremantle Hospital
- Redevelopment includes purpose-built wards and
24-hour urgent care service
- $63 million investment into additional
mental health services in Fremantle
Construction has started
on 40 additional mental health beds at Fremantle Hospital, to expand treatment
and support options for patients in the southern corridor.
Fremantle Hospital's V
block is undergoing extensive works, which will result in:
- 20 secure beds;
- 10 beds for open adults;
- 10-bed neurological behaviour unit for older
adults;
- 24-hour mental health urgent care service; and
- A new neurostimulation unit.
The Cook Government's $63
million redevelopment will increase the number of inpatient mental health beds
at Fremantle Hospital by more than 60 per cent – from 64 to 104.
This important project
will also see the introduction of a 24-hour mental health urgent care service –
an expansion on the existing triage service which is open from 8am to 10pm.
The
24-hour service will help take pressure off Fiona Stanley Hospital's busy
emergency department, while ensuring acute mental health patients receive
dedicated crisis care.
The purpose-built
building will feature wards comprising single, swipe-controlled bedrooms with
ensuites and TVs, treatment rooms, sensory modulation rooms, and separate
dining and lounge room spaces.
Design of the redeveloped
building will be consistent with contemporary mental health principles, such as
the use of natural light, landscaped outdoor courtyards and balcony
spaces.
The model of care adopted
will promote and encourage staff and patient interaction, with collaboration
hubs available throughout the wards.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"Our
Government is dedicated to improving access to healthcare across our State to
ensure top quality services are available no matter where you live.
"WA's
southern corridor is growing rapidly and it is vital healthcare services are
expanded to match this demand, which is why we are investing $63 million to
significantly upgrade Fremantle Hospital.
"An
extra 40 beds will increase inpatient mental health services at Fremantle
Hospital by more than 60 per cent, which will be hugely beneficial to the
community."
Comments attributed to Health Minister
Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The Cook Government is
working to give Western Australians better access to all kinds of mental health
supports, whether that be in a hospital setting or in the community.
"The new beds and
improved mental health services at Fremantle Hospital are being designed using
contemporary therapeutic principles, such as the use of natural light,
landscaped outdoor courtyards and balcony spaces to create a better experience
for patients and staff.
"Importantly, this
project will also see the introduction of a 24-hour mental health urgent care
service to help ease pressure on Fiona Stanley Hospital's busy emergency
department, while ensuring acute mental health patients receive dedicated
crisis care."
Comments attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone
McGurk:
"This $63 million, 40-bed
redevelopment will be a huge boost for our southern corridor, delivering
important extra capacity for mental health inpatients and a 24-hour mental
health urgent care service.
"It's fantastic to see
construction begin on this important project.
"Alongside our $8.5
million dedicated neuro rehabilitation ward, we are investing in Fremantle
Hospital to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our community now and into
the future."
