By Laura Michell
A 30-bed acute mental health facility is expected to open in Epping in 2023 as part a state government plan to fix Victoria’s mental health system.
The 2020-21 state budget included funding for the stand-alone facility at Northern Hospital, as part of the government’s $868.6 million spend on mental health services.
Acting Premier and Minister for Mental Health James Merlino released designs for the new facility last week.
The Epping facility is one of four being built across the state, providing 120 new mental health beds. New facilities will also be built at Geelong, Parkville and St Albans.
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VIC Premier
The final report and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System will be tabled on Tuesday, 2 March, 2021 prior to an historic joint sitting of the Victorian Parliament.
The Parliament will hear directly from Chair, Penny Armytage AM, Professor Patrick McGorry AO and a member of the Victorian community with lived experience of mental illness.
This joint sitting will be held at the Royal Exhibition Building to ensure all members of parliament can attend adhering to CovidSafe rules. It will also enable those witnesses and participants in the commission to attend this significant event.
As the nation continues to deal with the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, this joint sitting ensures the report is given the dedicated attention it deserves.
VIC Premier
New laws passed by the Parliament today will make it easier for Victorian workers to get treatment and support for work-related mental health injuries as soon as they need it.
Delivering on a key election commitment, the
Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Provisional Payments) Act 2020 removes barriers for workers seeking urgent mental health support.
The new laws mean that Victorian workers who seek compensation for a mental health injury under WorkCover will receive payments for reasonable medical expenses while they await the outcome of their claim.
Covering expenses such as GP visits, psychiatrist or psychologist appointments and medication, the payments scheme ensures workers will not have to delay getting the care they deserve, while covering stressful out of pocket costs.
VIC Premier
Victorians experiencing eating disorders will get the care, support and treatment they need – earlier and faster.
Minister for Mental Health James Merlino today visited Box Hill Hospital to open their new 9 bed, Adult Mental Health Unit and to announce that the Andrews Labor Government would invest $2 million to ensure people with eating disorders are getting the care they need.
The new $6.3 million unit at Box Hill Hospital will boost the number of beds within the area ensuring the mental health needs of individuals, families and the community are met.
While the Royal Commission into Mental Health will deliver its final report in February we are responding to the mental health needs of Victorians now.