Nepean Hospital will host the State’s newest specialist mental health unit for children and young people needing intensive mental health support.
Minister for Mental Health and Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the announcement was an exciting progression of the State’s record $700 million mental health infrastructure program announced last year.
“Thanks to the strong financial management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government, we are in a position where we can fund these new services for our young people as part of the largest mental health infrastructure program in Australia,” Mrs Davies said.
Mr Ayres said the new Statewide service for young people at Nepean Hospital will offer 10 specialist mental health beds to respond to population growth.
“While our local health district already provides a well-established mental health service for our community, there has been a growing need for better access to specialised mental health beds for the increasing population of young people.”
“It’s vitally important we invest in the future of young people and support their families, which is why we are thrilled planning for this important infrastructure is progressing.”
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has invested more than $1 billion in a state-of-the-art redevelopment of Nepean Hospital, with Stage One of the redevelopment and new car park already underway and Stage Two to commence once the current stage is completed in 2021.
Mrs Davies said in addition to the new services at Nepean, Western Sydney will also host one of two new mental health inpatient units for mothers and their babies, as part of the $700 million infrastructure project.
“This is the first time specialised beds for mothers and their babies will be established in a public hospital setting in NSW and we are pleased to reveal they will be located at Westmead and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Hospitals.”
In 2018-19 the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is investing more than $2.1 billion in mental health services.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the KidsHelpline on 1800 55 1800. For local mental health services call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
