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Improved Safety For Women At Latrobe Regional Hospital

Latrobe Regional Hospital will receive more than $50,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government to improve safety for women in the mental health unit, said Member for Morwell Russell Northe and Member

By Russell Northe - 5th April 2012 - Back to News

for Narracan Gary Blackwood today.

Mr Northe said that Latrobe Regional Hospital would use the funding to create a women’s only bedroom corridor, laundry and quiet room within the Flynn Unit.

"The safety of women in inpatient mental health care is a real concern for people with a mental illness, their families, communities, health services and the Coalition Government.

"I congratulate the Latrobe Regional Hospital for taking the initiative to address these concerns."

Mr Blackwood said the funding was delivered through the first round of grants as part of the Coalition Government’s election commitment to provide $4 million to improve conditions for women in mental health care facilities.

Mental health services were requested to seek the views of consumers and carers when developing their funding submissions.

"Research conducted by the Victorian Women and Mental Health Network in 2006 found that more than 60 per cent of women in inpatient units experienced harassment or abuse," Mr Blackwood said.

"Women can feel vulnerable in mixed gender areas, where there are typically more males than females, an inability to lock rooms or protect belongings, and limited privacy.

"This initiative is further demonstration of our commitment to the right of women to receive treatment and care, free from fear of victimisation, violence, sexual assault and further trauma."

The program to improve the safety and wellbeing of women in mental health inpatient care is part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $104.8 million investment in mental health, which aims to provide improved and integrated hospital and community-based mental services.

Media contact: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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