New mental health facility at QEH
A purpose-built mental health unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is set to offer a calmer, more therapeutic alternative to the emergency department.
The Chair of the AMA SA’ Committee of General Practice (CGP) Dr John Williams has welcomed the opening of a new 24-bed mental health rehabilitation service at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), describing it as a vital step forward for patient care in South Australia.
‘This is a significant issue for our community,’ Dr Williams said. ‘Increased capacity to care for people with serious mental health issues is critical to our community.’
The new facility, located in Adelaide’s west, is the first of three specialist mental health units promised by the South Australian Government.
It is designed to provide a more therapeutic environment for patients transitioning out of acute care, helping to ease pressure on emergency departments.
‘We know that emergency departments are challenging places for people with mental illness,’ Dr Williams said.
The ability to improve flow in the system—getting people suffering mental illness out of ED as quickly as possible and into an environment that promotes their healing—is crucial.’
It is estimated up to 100 people will be referred to the QEH service each year, with an average length of stay between four to 12 weeks.
There will be a phased opening with the first 12 patients to access the service from this week.
