A multi-million dollar election promise to boost mental health services across the Hunter has been delivered with the opening of a refurbished mental health unit at Maitland Hospital.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Member for Maitland Robyn Parker officially opened the new look unit yesterday saying the $2 million project would enable staff to deliver care to patients more effectively.
“This project has delivered an improved main entry, a new reception and waiting area, a reconfigured staff station, a new and more secure staff entry, and a new meeting and education room,” Ms Parker said.
“The modern surroundings will help those needing treatment for mental illness and enable them to be supported in a friendly, relaxed environment.”
Hunter Valley Mental Health Services clinical director Dr Marcia Fogarty thanked Ms Parker for the funding.
“Thanks for the money,” Dr Fogarty said. “This has enabled us to change our inpatient unit from a cramped dark mid-century ward to a much more livable, workable space.
“It has been interesting watching the builders with their hard hats and their tools,” she said. “Our staff don’t have many tools but we know the ward environment is a major therapeutic tool and we now have a beautifully refurbished environment for our teams to continue first-class psychiatric treatment for the people of the Hunter Valley.”
Minister for Mental Health Kevin Humphries said the opening delivered on a key election commitment to provide a much-needed upgrade for mental health facilities at Maitland Hospital.
“This refurbishment is a huge win for the Maitland community as it will provide improved facilities for patients, families and carers and enable staff to work more effectively to deliver care to patients to best aid their recovery,” Mr Humphries said.
The 24-bed mental health unit provides short-term care and treatment for people experiencing acute episodes of mental illness.
