After further consultations with staff at the RHH and major stakeholders, the Government has decided to use the newly refurbished multi-purpose unit for extra beds for general medical and surgical patients rather than the proposed Mental Health Observation Unit.
The new area is now completed and will be opened up for general patients as soon as staffing is in place, in order to increase bed capacity and ease pressure on the emergency department during periods of high demand.
We always said we would consult widely with staff before making a final decision on the best use of this space, and that is what we have done.
Staff have also told us they want to relocate the existing Emergency Medical Unit. We agree, and this will provide 10 additional patient treatment spaces, as a result of the EMU relocation. How these spaces are used will be a matter for local management, with the RHH Executive to develop the appropriate model of care, including the consideration of the provision of care to mental health patients.
We will continue to work with all stakeholders and the Chief Psychiatrist to explore all options to address acute care needs of mental health patients.
The recruitment process will commence immediately to support the extra beds.
The Government remains committed to establishing a 16-bed adolescent mental health unit in K-Block, now being constructed. The upgrade of the Children’s Ward 4K at the LGH will also include specialist facilities for child and adolescents with mental health issues. These are services which have never before been provided in Tasmania.