Mental boost

WITH over $16 million spent by the state government on mental health across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, Shellharbour is set to receive almost $7 million.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Paul Lynch and Member for Shellharbour Lylea McMahon inspected progress on the $6.9 million Shellharbour Mental Health Unit earlier this week.

Work has started on the 20 bed secure inpatient unit to focus on rehabilitation and recovery.

Mr Lynch said the facility would provide 24 hour care in a secure and therapeutic environment.

"It will allow us to provide intensive, focused treatment for patients once they have been discharged from acute care and prior to their return to the community."

He said in addition to the specialised mental heath care available, support will also be provided from disability and housing support providers.

Ms McMahon said recruitment for the facility would start early next year with about 40 full time medical, nursing, allied health and administration positions created.

She said renovations have also started within Shellharbour Hospital for a $1.18 million Adolescent Day Unit that will provide an intensive, community based treatment program for young people aged 12 to 18.

"This new unit will address the need for intervention or stabilisation of teenagers who need short term and intensive support in addition to their ongoing management in community and mental health programs," Ms McMahon said.