Health services across Victoria will receive capital grants to improve safety for Victorians receiving treatment and care for mental illness, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, today announced that Dandenong Hospital would receive $295,658 of funding for infrastructure upgrades to mental health facilities.

This funding is part of $9.3 million announced for 17 health services across Victoria to improve safety for patients in adult acute mental health inpatient units.

The package will deliver 35 improvement projects with a focus on improving sexual safety across 25 adult acute inpatient facilities that collectively operate 829 mental health beds.

This includes $7.1 million shared by nine metropolitan health services and $2.2 million for eight regional health services.

The upgrades will ensure that all bedroom doors have patient-controlled locks, make improvements to the security of women’s only areas, increase the number of nurse call systems, improve privacy, and accelerate the planning of dedicated family lounge areas where possible.

Interim findings from The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System identified patient safety as one of its key areas of focus. The Victorian Government has a high priority on ensuring consumer safety in acute mental health services and these capital improvements are a vital part of this program of work.

All upgrades are expected to be completed in the next six to 12 months.

The Victorian State Budget 2020/21 investment of $868.6 million included funding to deliver essential reform recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System interim report. The Royal Commission will hand down its final report in February 2021, and the Government has already committed to implementing every single recommendation.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health, James Merlino

“We know from submissions to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System that our system needs vital upgrades to support our most vulnerable Victorians. Which is why funding like this so important, and why we’ll implement every recommendation made by the Royal Commission.”

“All Victorians have the right to receive mental health treatment and care they need in a safe, therapeutic and healing environment.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams

”It’s great to see the Andrews Labor Government investing in essential upgrades at Dandenong Hospital in response to the Royal Commission’s interim report.”

”These upgrades will not only improve safety but also support local jobs in the Dandenong community.”