The Victorian Government has opened five acute mental health beds for women in Shepparton as part of its restructure of mental health services around the state.
The expansion of mental health services in the city is part of the Andrews Government’s new $100m Specialist Women’s Mental Health Service.
The government says when fully operational, the state’s 35-bed Specialist Women’s Mental Health Service will support more than 750 Victorian women each year with a range of complex conditions, including those who have experienced trauma and sexual abuse, eating disorders and women living with perinatal mental health issues.
The five beds funded in Shepparton include two inpatient beds at Ramsay Health Care’s Shepparton Private Hospital and three Hospital in the Home beds, where women receive “hospital-quality care” at home, managed through Goulburn Valley Health.
The other 30 service beds are scheduled to open later this year in Melbourne at the Albert Road Clinic and will be delivered by Ramsay Health Care in partnership with Alfred Health.
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System delivered its final report on February 3, 2021.
Commission chair Penny Armytage found Victoria’s mental health system to be “depleted and broken”, had been “ignored” and “catastrophically failed to live up to expectations”.
The government said the Specialist Women’s Mental Health Service model was co-designed in consultation with women with lived experience and would help ease pressure on the public system by delivering supports for public patients in a private setting.
It said the investment was part of the government’s $801m Mental Health Beds Expansion Program, delivering 260 new mental health inpatient beds across the state.
Mental Health Minister Gabrielle Williams said work was under way on delivering more than 90 per cent of the royal commission’s recommendations, with $5.1 billion invested in the past two Victorian budgets.
“The royal commission told us many women don’t feel comfortable seeking mental health support, this women’s-only service is one of a number of programs making sure women feel safe and supported in the mental health system,” she said.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said a mental health system was being built that all should feel comfortable accessing.
“No-one should feel uncomfortable seeking help for mental illness, which is why we are reforming the entire mental health and wellbeing system to become safe, compassionate and responsive for all Victorians,” she said.
If anyone is feeling overwhelmed, they can phone Lifeline to speak with a crisis supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au — all services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Other support services include:
- Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org.au or 1300 22 4636.
- Kids Helpline kidshelpline.com.au or 1800 55 1800.
- Suicide Call Back Service www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au or 1300 659 467.