The Allan Labor Government is making sure Victorians get the mental health care they deserve - with upgrades for 11 mental health services across the state through the first round of the Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund.
These projects will share in more than $10 million through the Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund which responds directly to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System - to improve services through works such as remodelling and refurbishment to make the services better for patients, staff and carers.
Projects supported in this round include $1 million to Monash Health's Doveton Community Care Unit to remodel and refurbish bedrooms, bathrooms and deliver a new consulting room.
Austin Hospital's Acute Psychiatric Unit will receive $1 million to renovate eight ensuites while Northern Health will receive $994,000 for the refurbishment of the mental health inpatient ward.
Additionally, cohealth's Youth Residential Recovery program in St Albans has received more than $204,000 for safety upgrades and refurbishments, including bathroom renovations and replacement of other fixtures.
Projects eligible for funding include renewal, reconfigurations and refurbishments that improve safety, increase quality and efficiency of services and enhance patient experience, while supporting Victorians on their mental health recovery journey.
Thanks to a $10 million boost from the Victorian Budget 2024/25, the Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund is now worth $60 million with additional rounds to be announced ensuring vital funding to mental health facilitates across Victoria.
These vital upgrades are just one part of the Labor Government's response to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System to reform, modernise, build service capacity and provide better models of care for Victorians experiencing mental ill health.
Further information on the fund, including guidelines and the submission process, can be found here: vhba.vic.gov.au/mental-health-capital-renewal-fund.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"We're modernising and upgrading infrastructure at our mental health services right across Victoria, giving Victorians experiencing mental health and addiction challenges the facilities and care they deserve."
"The Royal Commission highlighted the need for physical safety and wellbeing in our mental health facilities and we are delivering on that through the Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund."
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"By prioritising safety, expanding capacity, and upgrading facilities, these initiatives will enhance consumer care and outcomes but also create safer workplaces for our mental health staff and carers."
