Expansion of North Queensland intensive youth mental health services

The Queensland Government has delivered on an election commitment to rebuild intensive mental healthcare infrastructure for young people in Townsville with the announcement of new youth residential rehabilitation facilities for the city.

Minister for Health Cameron Dick said the expansion of mental health services for young North Queenslanders would see the Government deliver on one of its key election commitments.

‘‘This expansion of services in Townsville will include establishing two four-bed youth residential rehabilitation facilities that will support up to eight young people living with a serious mental health illness,’’ Mr Dick said.

‘‘The service will commence later this year and provide contemporary and appropriate care to young people in a setting that is closer to their family, friends and support networks.

‘‘The model of care will also see young North Queenslanders cared for in an environment that is less restrictive than an acute mental health environment.’’

Mr Dick said the new facilities would provide young people who had passed the acute stage of their mental health treatment with support to live in their community.  

‘‘The service will be delivered by a non-government organisation in partnership with the local hospital and health service mental health team,’’ he said.

‘‘Support staff will be on site for up to 24 hours per day while additional specialist mental health staff from the Townsville Hospital and Health Service will be provide clinical treatment when required.”

The government is also providing residential accommodation for the families of young people in these facilities l families with adolescents accessing these expanded mental health services in Townsville. 

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service currently provides an eight-bed adolescent acute inpatient service with a 12 place adolescent day program, but there is no ongoing program for young people who have moved on from the acute stage.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Andrew Fraser (07) 3035 6118