Wed, 03/09/2008

Since coming to government, Labor has increased spending on public health by almost 90% with $889 million allocated in the 08/09 Budget, resulting in additional 172 hospital beds in our public hospitals and 9,600 elective surgery procedures.

As part of the new capital works, $90 million has been allocated for a new Women's and Children's Hospital and over $37 million has been committed for a new suite of mental health facilities.

$3.5 million has also been allocated for 16 fully staffed and equipped hospital beds to provide expanded intensive care , high dependency and coronary care services at Calvary Hospital.

There has also been an increase of more than 140% making expenditure on mental health services the second highest per capita spend in the nation.

One of the new mental health initiatives has been the establishment of a ground breaking 'step-up step-down' facility for young people suffering from a mental illness.

"The establishment of this facility was as a direct result of the recommendations made from the inquiry I initiated as the Deputy Chair of the Assembly Health Committee which looked at accommodation options for people living with a mental illness " Mary Porter said.

"1 in 5 in our community will suffer an episode of mental ill-health at some time, and they should not be seen in any way as different from those suffering other illnesses."