Coalition wants Victoria to 'lead the world' in youth mental health care
The state opposition has promised to expand the number of patient transit lounges at Victorian hospitals and invest in youth mental health if it wins next month's election.
The Victorian Coalition has pledged to establish a youth mental health facility at Parkville and undertake an independent review of Victoria's mental health royal commission, which concluded in 2021. The party has also announced plans to expand patient transit lounges in Victorian hospitals to alleviate pressure on emergency departments.
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy expressed concern that five years after the royal commission, many patients were still waiting too long or reaching crisis point before receiving necessary care. If elected, the Coalition aims to commission the independent review into the implementation of the royal commission's recommendations, with the goal of making Victoria a leader in youth mental health care.
The party has promised to invest $5 million to masterplan the new youth mental health facility, which would provide up to 50 specialist inpatient beds for individuals aged 12 to 25, along with prevention and recovery services. Additionally, the Coalition plans to relocate patients nearing discharge from hospital, who require medication, transport, or other arrangements, to a dedicated area within the emergency department, freeing up beds and reducing overcrowding.
The Liberal Party's health pledges come amid criticism from the Victorian Government, with Health Minister Ingrid Stitt dismissing the opposition's plans as lacking in tangible improvements.
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