Thursday, 21st April 2017

Gippsland  is receiving $803,689 in grants from the Andrews Labor Government to improve mental health and rehabilitation facilities, as part of upgrades across the state.

Facilities Renewal Grants help existing mental health and alcohol and other drug services to improve facilities for consumers, carers, visitors and staff.

They enable services to tackle critical minor infrastructure and capital works, to ensure facilities meet contemporary standards regarding physical amenity, space and safety.

Visiting Ballarat today, Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced $2.8 million for 26 mental health, alcohol and other drug facility renewal projects including Wodonga, Geelong, Belmont, Shepparton, Traralgon, Wonthaggi, Korumburra, Warrnambool, Hastings, Echuca, Kyneton, Wangaratta, Bairnsdale and Portland.

Many patients need support while in hospital dealing with the impact of their illnesses or injuries, especially patients with cancer, terminal illness, chronic illness or pain.

Latrobe is one of 8 health services to share in a $1.28 million boost to consultant liaison pyschiatric services in regional Victoria – other health services include Ballarat, Barwon, Bendigo, Goulburn, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga and South West Healthcare.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley

“To provide the best mental health services, you need safe, modern facilities. That’s why we invested to build and upgrade mental health and alcohol and other drug facilities.”

“We’re ensuring staff and patients have the best support to get through a rough patch.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“This additional support from the Andrews Government will enable Gippsland communities to access safe and modern facilties and services – no matter when they need them most.”

“Our consultant liaison services will mean patients receiving treatment for a major illness or injury can receive mental health support while they’re in hospital.”