The Allan Labor Government is boosting access to mental health services in Melbourne's outer east, with a refurbishment to mental health facilities at Maroondah Hospital now complete.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today announced the completion of the more than $750,000 project to deliver new and upgraded inpatient facilities funded as part of the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Facilities Renewal Fund in 2020-21.
The project included an extension to the courtyard of one of the inpatient units, as well as new furniture and fitness equipment to support relaxation, physical recovery, encourage social interaction and access to the outdoors.
Additionally, new white noise generators mean seclusion rooms in two of the facility's inpatient units can now be converted into sensory rooms.
Sensory rooms provide stimulation through sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste that can support consumers emotionally regulate and reduce distress thereby positively impacting their experience and recovery.
The Mental Health and AOD Facilities Renewal Fund is supporting Victorians on their mental health recovery journey, funding eligible projects for reconfigurations and refurbishments that improve staff, consumer, and carer safety, increase overall quality and efficiency of services, and enhance consumer experience.
Established in 2016, the fund has supported more than 200 projects at mental health and AOD care facilities across Victoria and is worth a total of $60 million - with an additional $10 million boost in this year's Victorian Budget 2024/25.
It is just one part of the Labor Government's response to the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, with more than $6 billion invested since the report was handed down.
Work is underway on 90 per cent of its recommendations to reform, modernise, build service capacity and provide better models of care for all Victorians.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"This upgrade is ensuring locals experiencing mental health challenges can access the care and treatment they need to assist them on their recovery journey in a more therapeutic setting."
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"By modernising our public mental health infrastructure, we're making sure Victorians experiencing mental health and substance use challenges can receive care in modern, safe and comfortable environments."
As stated by Member for North-Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane
"This upgrade at Maroondah Hospital is helping to improve mental health and wellbeing care for people in our community ensuring they get the support they need, as soon as they need it."
