TAMWORTH MP Kevin Anderson has vowed to push for upgrades to the city’s “tired and outdated” hospital mental health unit.
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The Leader can reveal Mr Anderson has ramped up his approach for upgrades to the Banksia unit in the wake of a state government review into NSW mental health facilities.
Mr Anderson said concerned constituents have told him the complex was a “cold and lonely place” that was not a “good environment for healing".
He’s also made representations to Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies for her support.
“The facility itself has been a concern of mine for quite some time,” he said.
“I believe it’s old, outdated and certainly from reports I have received from patients who have been through the facility, it is a cold and lonely place, and not a very good environment for healing.
“I have also met with the mental health carers support group and they have also expressed concerns about the facility.
“I visited it on a number of occasions over the years and while there has been minor upgrades like painting and a minor face lift – ultimately what we want to do is build a better Banksia.”
Mr Anderson said he would be interested to see the outcome of the state review and what the report card would be for the local mental health clinic which would determine the extent of work needed on the facility.
“While I don’t want to preempt the audit, I want to have the best possible mental health facilities for our patients, and if the audit shows the work needs to be done – I will absolutely jump on this boots and all.”
“We have to provide the best facility for those who are suffering from mental health issues,” he said.
“We have a brand new hospital, a brand new cancer centre and we need a better centre for mental health and this is why I am focusing on Banksia.
“The staff do a magnificent job and also deserve to work in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.”
Minister Davies confirmed to The Leader she had toured the facility at the request of Mr Anderson.
“The 2017-18 NSW Budget included funding for a Statewide Mental Health Investment Plan,” she said.
“The plan will identify the potential capital investments needed to support statewide mental health service reforms and priorities.
“This planning is underway and will include assessment of Banksia.
“It would be premature to comment on the outcomes of this extensive piece of work.”
