Published Tuesday, 20 March, 2007 at 09:51 AM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Boost for Cairns mental health services
The State Government is expanding mental health care in Far North Queensland with additional services for Cairns, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson today officially opened the new Cairns Integrated Mental Health Service on the ground floor at 88 Abbott Street.
The centre is the new home of the Cairns Child and Youth Mental Health Service, the Mental Health Disaster Recovery Team and the new Evolve Therapeutic Service.
“We’ve invested $240,000 to upgrade the centre which has been designed and fitted-out specifically with the care of children in mind,” Mr Robertson said.
“It includes meeting rooms, consultation rooms and play therapy spaces.
“And by relocating some mental health services here we have freed up space at the existing mental health building in Sheridan Street, where the focus will be on adult mental health.”
Mr Robertson said the Beattie Government allocated an additional $10.8 million this financial year to increase mental health services in Cairns.
“Already 32 extra mental health staff have been appointed and new services established like homeless health outreach, Evolve Therapeutic Services and community-based mental health residential recovery and rehabilitation programs,” he said.
“These additional mental health rooms ensure we have the space to accommodate these growing services.
“It also reflects the Beattie Government’s strong commitment to improving mental health services for the Cairns community.”
Mr Robertson said Cairns Child and Youth Mental Health Service received 489 referrals in 2006 and currently has 120 acute cases on their books.
“Child and Youth Mental Health is a specialist service for children and young people who have severe and complex emotional and behavioural problems, mental health disorders, or who are at risk of developing mental health problems,” he said.
“This service will also support Evolve Therapeutic Services which provides mental health services for the families, children and young people who are in the care of the Department of Child Safety.
“The co-location of these services in Abbott Street will enable better sharing of resources and knowledge to ensure a better service for patients.”
Mr Robertson said the Mental Health Disaster Recovery Team was set up with the Department of Communities in the aftermath of Cyclone Larry to coordinate recovery efforts across Far North Queensland.
“They offer free counselling and support for local businesses and the community and help school students with coping skills and anxiety management to promote mental well being in the community.
“This team will continue to coordinate mental health support and recovery efforts in the Innisfail and southern Tablelands areas.”
Mr Robertson said the three mental health teams relocated to Abbott Street office late last year.
20 March, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson today officially opened the new Cairns Integrated Mental Health Service on the ground floor at 88 Abbott Street.
The centre is the new home of the Cairns Child and Youth Mental Health Service, the Mental Health Disaster Recovery Team and the new Evolve Therapeutic Service.
“We’ve invested $240,000 to upgrade the centre which has been designed and fitted-out specifically with the care of children in mind,” Mr Robertson said.
“It includes meeting rooms, consultation rooms and play therapy spaces.
“And by relocating some mental health services here we have freed up space at the existing mental health building in Sheridan Street, where the focus will be on adult mental health.”
Mr Robertson said the Beattie Government allocated an additional $10.8 million this financial year to increase mental health services in Cairns.
“Already 32 extra mental health staff have been appointed and new services established like homeless health outreach, Evolve Therapeutic Services and community-based mental health residential recovery and rehabilitation programs,” he said.
“These additional mental health rooms ensure we have the space to accommodate these growing services.
“It also reflects the Beattie Government’s strong commitment to improving mental health services for the Cairns community.”
Mr Robertson said Cairns Child and Youth Mental Health Service received 489 referrals in 2006 and currently has 120 acute cases on their books.
“Child and Youth Mental Health is a specialist service for children and young people who have severe and complex emotional and behavioural problems, mental health disorders, or who are at risk of developing mental health problems,” he said.
“This service will also support Evolve Therapeutic Services which provides mental health services for the families, children and young people who are in the care of the Department of Child Safety.
“The co-location of these services in Abbott Street will enable better sharing of resources and knowledge to ensure a better service for patients.”
Mr Robertson said the Mental Health Disaster Recovery Team was set up with the Department of Communities in the aftermath of Cyclone Larry to coordinate recovery efforts across Far North Queensland.
“They offer free counselling and support for local businesses and the community and help school students with coping skills and anxiety management to promote mental well being in the community.
“This team will continue to coordinate mental health support and recovery efforts in the Innisfail and southern Tablelands areas.”
Mr Robertson said the three mental health teams relocated to Abbott Street office late last year.
20 March, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680