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Construction underway on Queensland adolescent mental health facility

Paul Hayes 20/11/2018 1:31:10 PM A planned mental health facility in Queensland ‘signals a new era in treatment’ for young people, according to the state’s minister for health.

‘Not only will it change people’s lives, but it will save people’s lives,’ Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said of the new facility. (Image: Dan Peled)

‘The centre will provide assessment, treatment and rehabilitation that fully integrates mental health services with educational programs delivered by teachers from the Department of Education,’ Queensland Minister for Health Steven Miles said as contruction started yesterday.



‘It will also provide a structured environment with a focus on improving the overall function of young people to increase their capacity and confidence to successfully transition back to their community.’



The $27 million extended treatment centre will be housed on the Prince Charles Hospital campus. The 12-bed facility, which will specifically cater to people aged 13–18, will feature a full-time daily school, bedrooms, communal spaces, a classroom and training areas.



Queensland Health will provide the clinical services and the Department of Education will deliver an education program.



‘We think it’s vital that these young people have access to quality educational opportunities and support to continue on their learning pathway as part of their treatment and recovery,’ Queensland MP Dr Anthony Lynham said.



‘Out-of-area families and carers will also be able to access accommodation to facilitate visits and support of young people residing in the centre.’



The new centre comes following the 2014 closure of Brisbane’s Barrett Adolescent Centre, which was Queensland’s only mental health facility for adolescents with a live-in facility.



An inquest is now underway into the death of one of three teenagers who took their own lives within eight months of the closure of Barrett Adolescent Centre. This inquest follows coronial hearings into the deaths of the two other young people following the Barrett Adolescent Centre closure.



The new centre at the Prince Charles Hospital was announced in response to the Commission of Inquiry into the closure of the Barrett Adolescent Centre.



Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the new facility as part of the Queensland Government’s ‘investment to rebuild and expand mental health services for young people’.



‘My government is committed to making sure Queensland’s most vulnerable young people have access to highly specialised healthcare services to help them recover and return to their family, friends and communities,’ she said.



The new centre is expected to be operational by early 2020.

adolescent mental health Barrett Adolescent Centre Prince Charles Hospital Queensland