Barwon Health to provide services at Cherry Creek

BARWON Health has been commissioned to deliver healthcare services to young people at the new Cherry Creek Youth Justice Centre, just outside of Little River.

To open next month, the $419 million facility is funded and managed by the Department of Justice and Community Safety and will accommodate young men aged 15 to 17 who are sentenced or on remand

Barwon Health public health and primary care co-director Deborah Kay said the regional health service’s vision for Cherry Creek was to offer a range of comprehensive culturally safe services tailored to the needs of the young people in the facility.

“We will work with the young people to build knowledge, health literacy, resilience and trusted relationships while preserving dignity and enhancing health outcomes.

“We know that young people need to be engaged and empowered to understand their own health needs and treatment options.”

Barwon Health will partner with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative to ensure safe and high-quality care is provided.

Ms Kay said it was important to establish a safe, appropriate and sustainable service that was culturally safe for young people from a range of backgrounds.

“As more young people move to Cherry Creek, our on-site services will scale up, underpinned by Barwon Health’s expertise, capability and networks.”

The Cherry Creek Youth Justice Precinct will replace the Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct, which will close at the end of this year.

The precinct has 140 beds, and its purpose-built design features include an intensive intervention community, a specialised primary health centre, and two mental health units.