The short stay mental health unit that was announced as part of the $250m Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment is coming, with early and enabling works underway.
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In November last year, Murrumbidgee Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Ludford announced plans for the unit which would provide care for community members who did not require acute mental health admission but would benefit from a short period of inpatient care.
"This new unit will complement the Griffith Community Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service, which currently provides specialist mental health care for adults and adolescents," Mrs Ludford said at the time.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton has said that inpatient mental health units were invaluable resources to regional hospitals in the Murrumbidgee.
"People will be able to be treated in their home town, without having to travel to Wagga," Mrs Dalton said.
"The Murrumbidgee has a suicide rate almost three times a high as Sydney, however the region has far fewer mental health services."
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Mrs Dalton also noted that the construction of the mental health unit could bring more mental health professionals to Griffith who could then link up and support private practices.
Once operational, the unit will further be supported by the Wagga Mental Health Inpatient Unit via telehealth.
If you or someone you know needs help contact;
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Griffith Suicide Prevention and Suicide Support Group on 1300 133 911
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