Sheed calls for more youth mental health beds

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed asked the Mental Health Minister James Merlino to ensure young people would be supported at the new Goulburn Valley Health mental health unit through the provision of allocated youth inpatient beds.

Speaking in parliament recently, Ms Sheed highlighted the impact the pandemic had on mental health in the community and especially for young people.

Ms Sheed asked Mr Merlino if the new $163 million mental health unit to be built at Goulburn Valley Health, which was announced in the recent budget, would offer inpatient services for children and adolescents in the Shepparton District.

“Molly, a young constituent of mine, has raised her concerns with me about access to mental health services,” Ms Sheed said.

“In the Shepparton district, there are no inpatient facilities for children and adolescents.”

Ms Sheed said she was concerned that the closest youth-specific mental health facility was Eastern Health in Box Hill and asked the minister to advise whether there would be capacity in the new mental health unit for inpatient services for children and adolescents who need such services in their own town.

ENDS

Media Contact

Elaine Cooney 0447 820 366 | elaine.cooney@parliament.vic.gov.au

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