Mackay Base Hospital CEO Susan Gannon launches Safe Harbour facility

A new facility at the Mackay Base Hospital will help patients experiencing mental health crises in a safer and quieter environment than the chaotic emergency department.

A calm, comfortable space for patients experiencing mental health crises launched at Mackay Base Hospital today.

The new Crisis Support Service facility, Safe Harbour, aims to support patients presenting with psychological distress or other mental health issues by taking them out of the Emergency Department (ED) and into a safe space.

Individuals over 16, who do not require medical care, presenting to the ED will be referred to the Safe Harbour building, where they can recover in a quiet space.

Safe Harbour contains a TV, computer, couches, chairs and tables, all there to make patients comfortable. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Acute Care Services Team Leader Christian Strang said the space was co-designed with people who have experience of emotional distress and crisis.

“Safe Harbour is an excellent example of care being delivered with the needs of our patients and clients being place at the forefront,” Mr Strang said.

Senior mental health clinicians will work in conjunction with these “peer workers” when caring for patients.

Jessica Pulis, the clinical lead of Safe Harbour and occupational therapist said that clients were far more comfortable coming to Safe Harbour than ED.

“They’re much more relaxed, readily able to engaged,” Ms Pulis said.

“People de-escalated a lot quicker and don’t have to go to the emergency department as often.

“We’re able to send them home quicker as well … it’s really nice.”

Ms Gannon said the space aimed to remove patients from the disruptive atmosphere of an ED. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mackay Hospital and Health Service CEO Susan Gannon said the facility represented a commitment to improving care for people experiencing mental health crises.

“Often people who are experiencing crisis after hours are admitted to an ED,” Ms Gannon said.

“We know a busy clinical space can be incredibly overwhelming.

“This new model of care allows our peer workers to meet a person who has presented to ED for help … and take them to Safe Harbour to develop a support plan.”

Patient Mel Dooley said the new space and approach to mental health care has resulted in fewer admissions for her.

“I find it’s a lot more helpful in the crisis periods,” Ms Dooley said.

“It’s not overcrowded … you’ve got that option to come everyday if you feel that’s what you need.”

Ms Dooley said that compared to her previous experiences waiting in the ED, Safe Harbour was far better and, importantly, quieter.

The management team at Mackay Base Hospital hope that this new facility will take pressure off the ED and improve outcomes for patients experiencing mental health issues.