❓ Question regarding mental health bed shortages in WA, prompted by concerns raised after patient deaths. Minister disputes claims of bed shortages, highlighting WA's high investment in mental health services, but acknowledges the need for more transitional facilities.
AnsweredQoN 988Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM — SHORTAGE OF BEDS
I refer to the article titled “Suicides spark probe” in The Sunday Times of 6 November 2011 in which Australian Medical Association state president David Mountain was quoted in relation to the death of mental health patients at Fremantle Hospital’s Alma Street clinic as saying — “Doctors are forced to make decisions that they normally wouldn’t because of the severe lack of beds in the system,” … (1) Does the minister endorse the AMA state president’s comments that there is a severe lack of beds in the mental health system; and, if not, why not? (2) What decisions are doctors forced to make that they normally would not make because of the severe lack of beds in the mental health system? Hon HELEN MORTON
I refer to the article titled “Suicides spark probe” in The Sunday Times of 6 November 2011 in which Australian Medical Association state president David Mountain was quoted in relation to the death of mental health patients at Fremantle Hospital’s Alma Street clinic as saying — “Doctors are forced to make decisions that they normally wouldn’t because of the severe lack of beds in the system,” … (1) Does the minister endorse the AMA state president’s comments that there is a severe lack of beds in the mental health system; and, if not, why not? (2) What decisions are doctors forced to make that they normally would not make because of the severe lack of beds in the mental health system? Hon HELEN MORTON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for no notice of the question. (1)–(2) I do not support those comments of the AMA state president. The reason that I do not go along with that particular set of comments is not new to the president of the AMA because I have had this conversation with him on a few occasions. Western Australia has the highest number of mental health beds per 1 000 head of population of any state. We have the highest expenditure on acute mental health services; in fact, we had the highest expenditure on mental health per capita — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
(2) What decisions are doctors forced to make that they normally would not make because of the severe lack of beds in the mental health system? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the member for no notice of the question. (1)–(2) I do not support those comments of the AMA state president. The reason that I do not go along with that particular set of comments is not new to the president of the AMA because I have had this conversation with him on a few occasions. Western Australia has the highest number of mental health beds per 1 000 head of population of any state. We have the highest expenditure on acute mental health services; in fact, we had the highest expenditure on mental health per capita — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the member for no notice of the question. (1)–(2) I do not support those comments of the AMA state president. The reason that I do not go along with that particular set of comments is not new to the president of the AMA because I have had this conversation with him on a few occasions. Western Australia has the highest number of mental health beds per 1 000 head of population of any state. We have the highest expenditure on acute mental health services; in fact, we had the highest expenditure on mental health per capita — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
I thank the member for no notice of the question. (1)–(2) I do not support those comments of the AMA state president. The reason that I do not go along with that particular set of comments is not new to the president of the AMA because I have had this conversation with him on a few occasions. Western Australia has the highest number of mental health beds per 1 000 head of population of any state. We have the highest expenditure on acute mental health services; in fact, we had the highest expenditure on mental health per capita — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
(1)–(2) I do not support those comments of the AMA state president. The reason that I do not go along with that particular set of comments is not new to the president of the AMA because I have had this conversation with him on a few occasions. Western Australia has the highest number of mental health beds per 1 000 head of population of any state. We have the highest expenditure on acute mental health services; in fact, we had the highest expenditure on mental health per capita — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
(2) What decisions are doctors forced to make that they normally would not make because of the severe lack of beds in the mental health system? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the member for no notice of the question. (1)–(2) I do not support those comments of the AMA state president. The reason that I do not go along with that particular set of comments is not new to the president of the AMA because I have had this conversation with him on a few occasions. Western Australia has the highest number of mental health beds per 1 000 head of population of any state. We have the highest expenditure on acute mental health services; in fact, we had the highest expenditure on mental health per capita — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the member for no notice of the question. (1)–(2) I do not support those comments of the AMA state president. The reason that I do not go along with that particular set of comments is not new to the president of the AMA because I have had this conversation with him on a few occasions. Western Australia has the highest number of mental health beds per 1 000 head of population of any state. We have the highest expenditure on acute mental health services; in fact, we had the highest expenditure on mental health per capita — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
I thank the member for no notice of the question. (1)–(2) I do not support those comments of the AMA state president. The reason that I do not go along with that particular set of comments is not new to the president of the AMA because I have had this conversation with him on a few occasions. Western Australia has the highest number of mental health beds per 1 000 head of population of any state. We have the highest expenditure on acute mental health services; in fact, we had the highest expenditure on mental health per capita — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
(1)–(2) I do not support those comments of the AMA state president. The reason that I do not go along with that particular set of comments is not new to the president of the AMA because I have had this conversation with him on a few occasions. Western Australia has the highest number of mental health beds per 1 000 head of population of any state. We have the highest expenditure on acute mental health services; in fact, we had the highest expenditure on mental health per capita — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So he’s wrong? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON : Just wait and the member will hear me. We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
We also have the highest number of full-time equivalent positions per capita allocated to providing services to people with a mental illness. At the same time, we have the lowest number of community treatment orders; in fact, it is about 50 per cent lower than the number in other states. We do not have any transitional, step-down facilities, which other states have. If Professor David Mountain was talking about transition beds, I fully support what he said. But we do not have the transition beds, and that is why, in this budget, we have allocated 22 new transition beds. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So, you disagree with Mr Mountain? Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON : Just be quiet and wait for the answer, please. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You disagree? Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON : Mr President, I cannot talk to her when she is — The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
The PRESIDENT : Order! Let us get a couple of things straight: no interjections, and, minister, I have said it several times; when you provide an answer to the house, you do it through the Chair. Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON : As I have said before, Mr President, I would actually much prefer to do that. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Well, it suits me! The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
The PRESIDENT : Order! It is not a matter of preference; it is a requirement. Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
Hon HELEN MORTON : Thank you, Mr President. The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
The issue around the transitional beds and the number of step-down facilities, Mr President, is that in this budget we allocated funding for 22 of these beds to be constructed at Joondalup, another 22 at Rockingham, and some are already being constructed in Broome. However, over and above that, a number of other mental health beds are being constructed in Western Australia. Ten beds have just opened at Rockingham, beds are about to be opened in Broome in February, we have additional beds being built in Albany, we have 30 beds being built at Osborne Park Hospital, and additional beds being built at Swan District Hospital. So, the additional capacity for mental health services inpatient facilities is actually growing quite considerably under this government. Of course, that is combined with the transitional facilities I have mentioned. But I will go on to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the significant area that we need to be focusing on is enabling people who are transitioning back into the community, even if they still have moderate risk attached to their illness, to do so safely and securely, and that is where the government’s focus is.
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