REDLAND Hospital is among the first in Queensland to recruit specialist mental health nurses for its emergency department under a $93.1 million statewide rollout.
The nurses will work alongside emergency clinicians to provide faster assessment, coordinated care and earlier access to appropriate support for patients presenting with mental health concerns.
Redcliffe and Hervey Bay hospitals are also among the first sites to recruit under the program, funded through the State Government’s Mental Health Levy.
Recruitment has begun at Cairns, Nambour, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Caboolture hospitals, with further sites to be selected in coming months.
The State Government says the investment will deliver 53 specialist emergency department mental health nursing roles across Queensland, with $28.5 million a year to be provided on an ongoing basis after the initial rollout.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls said people arriving at emergency departments for mental health support needed prompt assessment and connection to the right care.
“Arriving at an emergency department for mental health support can be an extremely stressful situation for a patient,” Mr Nicholls said.
“These new specialist nurses will play a critical role in ensuring people experiencing mental health concerns are assessed promptly and are connected to the most appropriate care pathway as early as possible.”
The initiative forms part of a broader $394.4 million State Government commitment from the Mental Health Levy for mental health, alcohol and other drug services.
The announcement follows the opening of Redland Hospital’s expanded $8.3 million Transit Care Hub, which has increased from 12 to 19 beds and will operate 24 hours a day.
