A $7.1 million Mental Health Observation Area at Joondalup Health Campus was officially opened today by Health and Mental Health Minister Roger Cook and Ramsay Health Care Australia Chief Operating Officer, Kate Munnings.
The 10-bed MHOA offers an improved service for people presenting with psychiatric disorders by providing a specialised service in a more clinically appropriate environment.
Prior to the establishment of the MHOA, patients were treated in the main area of the emergency department. The open layout of emergency departments is not ideal for managing mentally ill or intoxicated patients. This can be disruptive to many patients and staff and at worst, pose a security and safety risk.
The new MHOA has been modelled on some of the best in the country and features:
- Four bedrooms with sliding doors;
- Six patient bays;
- A patient lounge;
- A secure outdoor courtyard; and
- A waiting area.
The MHOA was a joint project between the State Government (contributing $5.1 million) and Ramsay Health Care Australia (contributing $2 million).
The Western Australian Government and Ramsay Health Care have a longstanding Public Private Partnership.