Construction Begins at St Vincent's Integrated Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Unit

NSW Health Minister, Reba Meagher, today commenced construction of the first innercity
integrated mental health, drug & alcohol and community health facility to be
situated at the main St Vincent's Hospital Campus in Darlinghurst.
The NSW Government is providing $23 million for the new facility - to be built
on the site of the existing O'Brien building. St Vincent's sold the current Caritas site
earlier this year to fund its component of the $40 million project.
"This project demonstrates the Iemma Government's commitment to investing in
revitalizing mental health programs, with the annual budget in NSW now more than $1
billion," Ms Meagher said.
"The new O'Brien building will allow patients to be accommodated in a secure,
purpose-built facility close to the Emergency Department and other services offered by
St Vincent's Hospital.
"With an increasing number of patients now presenting with multiple conditions, the colocation
of mental health, drug & alcohol and community health facilities will allow for
better treatment of these complex patients."
"Patient care and outcomes can be improved as a result."
St Vincent's Alcohol & Drug Service Director, Dr Alex Wodak, said the Hospital's
Caritas Mental Health Service, which is located near to the main Hospital site, currently
offers the best treatment possible.
However, the buildings that currently house these services are outdated and the quality
of service can be improved by integrating delivery onto one site.
Dr Wodak said clients currently receiving counselling for drug & alcohol and other types
of addiction at Rankin Court and Gorman House will also receive their treatment in the
new building on the main Hospital site.
"Having our three Departments located on the Hospital Campus within the one 21st
century modern facility is an important initiative both for our staff and those whom we
treat," Dr Wodak said.
"This project is of particular significance as St Vincent's local catchment area is
characterised by one of Australia's highest concentrations of homeless people and
those with mental health issues and drug & alcohol problems.
"However, the new integrated facility also has broader significance as it will serve the
people of Sydney as a whole."