$15m vets’ mental health facility at Glenside cautiously welcomed by RSL

A CONCEPT plan for a $15 million veterans’ mental health facility at Glenside has been unveiled to replace those at the Repatriation General Hospital, which is facing closure amid much anger. | See the video

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THE RSL has cautiously welcomed draft plans for a new $15 million veterans’ mental health facility at Glenside while stressing many veterans remain angry over the impending closure of the Repatriation General Hospital.

Revealing the plan as her first announcement as Minister for Mental Health, Leesa Vlahos indicated other “first responders” suffering post-traumatic stress disorder such as police, paramedics and firefighters may also have access to the facility on the Glenside health campus.

New Minister for Mental Health Leesa Vlahos with Premier Jay Weatherill after being sworn in on Tuesday. AAP Image/Michael Ramsey

The facility will replace Ward 17 at the Repatriation General Hospital amid controversy ranging from the overall decision to close the Repat through to siting the facility in a mental health institution rather than part of an overall hospital.

Health Minister Jack Snelling joined Ms Vlahos to announce the plans which are open for feedback until February 17.

The 24 bed facility — the same number of beds as Ward 17 — will have an acute inpatient unit, specialist services for PTSD treatment, research spaces, a gymnasium and separate facilities for female veterans.

Ms Vlahos said care from staff at Ward 17 is outstanding but it is outdated.

“The new facility will allow greater privacy for veterans and their families with individual rooms and bathrooms, while group rooms and communal areas will be available for veterans who wish to connect with others,” she said.

An artist's impression of the mental health precinct plan at Glenside.

“A significant improvement in this draft design is that female veterans will be able to receive

care in private spaces within the facility.

“Research will also be part of the new facility, integrating clinical care with research and

teaching to enhance research into veterans’ mental health care in South Australia.”

RSL SA chief executive Julia Langrehr said the RSL is pleased with the consultation process and urged all members to read the documents and provide feedback.

“I know some veterans will always remain disappointed the Repat is closing however this facility will provide a very high level of service and I believe our community will be very satisfied when it is finished,” she said.

“Generally members are happy with what is going to be delivered — there will still be people who are not happy with the change, particularly veterans who have been patients at the Repat for a long time, and for them the change will be difficult.

“The improved level of care across the state will eventually outweighs that angst.”

Opposition health spokesman Stephen Wade said the announcement did nothing to address ‘the reasons why Glenside is the wrong site.’

“Rather than rubberstamping the decision to shift Ward 17 from the Repat to Glenside the new Mental Health Minister Leesa Vlahos needs to push the pause the button on the relocation,” he said.

Another image from the draft plan.

“Glenside is simply the wrong site for a veterans’ mental health precinct. Veterans suffering mental trauma will be forced into a cramped site where there is more car parks than open space, and poorly serviced by public transport.”

The draft concept plans are available at www.transforminghealth.sa.gov.au and feedback can

be provided to [e-mail].