Residents in greater Geelong will soon have access to better local mental health support with a construction blitz now under way on two major projects.
Work has started on a new 16-bed mental health facility at Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre which will provide more than 5800 days of care – equating to approximately 355 people each year, according to the state government.
The government said the facility will reduce pressure on University Hospital Geelong’s emergency department, delivering inpatient acute mental health services and community-based care in a contemporary, safe and high-quality hospital setting.
The facility will create and sustain more than 230 local construction jobs, according to the state government, with its frame to be constructed as individual modules off-site, then transported and completed on-site to reduce disruption to the operational hospital and residents while construction is under way.
Geelong-based Lyons Construction has also begun work on the $16 million Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services Community Hub in central Geelong, with construction on track to be completed in late 2022.
Operated by Barwon Health, the five-storey hub will provide better access to treatment and support services for people experiencing mental ill-health and addiction, according to the state government.
The hub will consolidate existing services onto one contemporary, fit-for-purpose site. Clinicians will provide telephone, online, walk-in, at-home and outreach services over extended operating hours.
“Integrated mental health treatment and support services will make a real difference in the Geelong region to help respond to the growing needs of the community – and we are proud to be getting it done,” Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.
