24/1/01
Health Minister John Day today opened the new Swan Valley Centre, a 25-bed adult inpatient unit at Swan Health Service.
The new facility has been built specifically for people in the Swan area suffering from mental illness.
Mr Day said the Swan Valley Centre would enable people who need in-patient care to remain close to their family and friends, in their own community.
“This is another major initiative in the Swan catchment region and within the Swan Mental Health Service,” he said.
“The new purpose-built facility is contemporary in design and has features including a carer’s room, accommodation for 25 patients, a chaplaincy service and Early Discharge Program facilities.”
The Swan Valley Centre follows the opening last October of the Morley Adult Community Mental Health Service.
“In conjunction with existing services including that at Morley, a comprehensive approach to assessment, treatment and rehabilitation will be provided in the Swan region,” Mr Day said.
“With one in five people needing assistance with mental health at some time in their lives, continued growth in mental health services, such as this, is vital.”
As well as the new adult mental health inpatient unit, Swan Elderly Mental Health Service has also undergone a refurbishment.
“The total cost of the new adult health patient building and the refurbishment of the 16-bed elderly mental health facility has been $5.375 million,” Mr Day said.
The refurbishment has successfully combined contemporary clinical practices within the design, such as the incorporation of a centralised nursing base, while achieving a warm, homelike environment.
“Ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of our community is a high priority for the Western Australian Government,” the Minister said.
“We need to promote positive mental health continually, provide prevention and early intervention services, and care for those in need.”
Consumer groups had a major involvement with the Swan Valley Centre project, with focus groups held throughout the planning and design phases of the building project.
Media contact: Carole Cowling – 9213 6600
