Long-delayed Cairns mental health unit will improve safety for frontline workers, premier says

Premier Steven Miles has failed to back calls to build a dedicated mental health unit for prisoners and high needs patients in the Far North, arguing that an overdue $70m ward will reduce violent attacks and improve services.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy, Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford at a recent press conference in Cairns. Picture: Brendan Radke

Steven Miles has failed to back calls to build a dedicated mental health unit for prisoners and high needs patients in the Far North, arguing that an overdue $70m ward will reduce violent attacks on workers and improve services.

Cairns Hospital’s 53-bed mental health unit is set to open in January featuring a sensory modulation room, gymnasium and enclosed outdoor spaces with ocean and mountain views.

Hospital whistleblowers have claimed that the high volume of forensic patients, those who have committed a crime but cannot face trial due to poor mental health, and prisoners from Lotus Glen has lowered the quality of care within the unit.

But the premier disputed the claim, arguing that the new facility – which is almost three years behind schedule – would allow clinicians to provide better care, despite only offering five additional beds.

“The service model delivery there will have been developed by the clinicians and the HHS (hospital and health service) with an awareness of the number of forensic patients that they see,” Mr Miles said.

“A brand new facility is going to provide for different models of care, different service delivery, different flows of patients.

“I’m sure that they will have incorporated into its design their awareness of the number of forensic patients that they get.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy says health workers should feel safe in the workplace. Pics Adam Head

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said potential changes to the Mental Health Act could include reviewing whether inmates should have a security guard with them while seeking treatment within psychiatric units.

“Nobody should be going through any of this in any workplace and we are doing everything in our power to make sure it doesn’t happen,” Mr Healy said.

The LNP’s deputy leader, Jarrod Bleijie supports changes to the Mental Health Act. Picture, John Gass

Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie echoed Mr Healy’s comments last month.

“If there is legislation preventing our frontline workers in our mental health units from being supported, protected and cared for then that absolutely must change,” he said.

“We can’t have a situation where nurses and patients at our public hospitals – when prisoners go there – aren’t protected. How did we get there?”

Mr Miles said he was open to hearing alternative solutions, if he remains Premier after next week.

“There are ongoing discussions and if there are ways identified to keep them more safe, then I’m sure the hospital and health service will consider those,” he said.

On Friday, the Cairns Post reported that a mental health patient who “nearly killed” a Cairns Hospital security guard by choking him in August has since been involved in at least three violent incidents, angering staff.

In August, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service stationed a constant static security guard within the hospital’s Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, following months of pleading from nurses and clinicians.

Originally published as Long-delayed Cairns mental health unit will improve safety for frontline workers, premier says