Campbelltown residents can be forgiven if they doubt the state government’s commitment to mental health, says local MP Greg Warren.
Campbelltown Hospital’s existing mental health units – Gna Ka Lun and Waratah House – are set to be relocated into a new, 12 storey clinical services building which will be constructed as part of the hospital’s $632 million upgrade.
However, specific details regarding capacity, services and staff numbers have not been revealed.
The previous NSW Labor government had earmarked $60 million towards upgraded mental health facilities as part of stage one upgrades to Campbelltown Hospital.
“However, one of the first decisions of the Liberals once they came to power [in 2011] was to scrap that $60 million allocated for mental health upgrades from the budget,’’ says Mr Warren.
“The relocation of Gna Ka Lun and Waratah House must be undertaken carefully and in consultation with local mental health experts.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We need to make sure that there are enough beds, adequate staff and sufficient services to cater for the needs of our ever-expanding Macarthur region.[/social_quote]
“Mental health minister Tanya Davies visited Gna Ka Lun in May last year with Camden MP Chris Patterson – who was recently appointed parliamentary secretary for youth,’’ Mr Warren said.
“Ms Davies described Gna Ka Lun as dark and gloomy and said she could see there was an opportunity to improve and provide additional facilities.
“Two budgets have passed since and Ms Davies has done nothing to improve or provide additional facilities.’’
Mr Warren’s comments have come in the wake of calls by Labor for an inquiry into the resourcing and capacity of mental health units and services across NSW following another death in a NSW health facility.
A 50 year old man with Down syndrome died at Byron Central Hospital from hypothermia after he wandered outside through an unlocked door at the hospital on July 28. The man was discovered at 5am by a security guard but he later died.
“This latest tragedy sadly reflects to urgent need to address the mental health facilities crisis engulfing our state,” Mr Warren said.
