“I am pleased to advise that planning is well underway at Mt Druitt to develop a unit for older people who have suffered from acute mental health episodes. Other locations are being identified through a mental health service planning process which is currently nearing completion,” Mr Aquilina said.
“Older people need a facility which specialises in their particular needs. Often following an operation, heart attack or stroke, the elderly become frightened by the operation or illness and succumb to depression.
“For many, this is the first time it has happened in their lives.”
“The population of people aged over 65 years of age in the Western Area Health Service region is expected to increase by up to 40% over the next 10 years.”
“So I have made strong representations to the Minister for Health for Older People’s Mental Health Units (OPMHU) to be built at Blacktown, Mt Druitt, the Hawkesbury and Nepean Hospitals as soon as possible.”
OPMHUs are purpose-built facilities. They have single room accommodation with ensuite bathrooms for up to 14 patients at a time. Staff work closely with the newly established Commuity Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People’s team, to provide the integrated style of care that older people with mental health conditions need after they leave hospital.
The domestic-style accommodation, communal living area and lounge and dining facilities make these units as comfortable as possible for patients.
The NSW Government is committed to meeting the mental health needs of older people and has developed a 10 year plan to expand services for this sector of our community.