Cash offered to improve conditions in mental health facilities

APPLICATIONS are now open for the latest round of the State Government’s Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund, which aims to upgrade and modernise Victoria’s mental health facilities.

Projects eligible for up to $1 million in grants include reconfigurations and refurbishments that improve staff, consumer, and carer safety, increase quality and efficiency of services and enhance patient experience, all the while supporting people on their mental health recovery journey.

Projects previously funded include the refurbishment of Monash Health’s Doveton Community Care Unit, the upgrade of the Austin Hospital’s Acute Psychiatric Unit, and the refurbishment of the Mental Health Inpatient Ward at the Northern Hospital Epping campus.

The $10 million dollar boost to the fund flagged in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 sees its balance now sitting at $60 million.

Projects successful in securing funding will be supported by the Victorian Health Building Authority and delivered by each individual public health service provider.

“Projects funded under the latest round of the fund will help ensure staff, patients and their carers can deliver and receive treatment in a welcoming environment that feels modern, comfortable and safe,” Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas said.

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said the government is aiming not to waste a minute in ongoing work to rebuild Victoria’s mental health system from the ground up.

“So that every Victorian has access to care as soon as they need it, no matter where they live,” she said.

Further information on the fund can be found on the Victorian Health Building Authority website.