Improved access to Goldfields mental health services under WA Labor

Goldfields locals who are experiencing mental illness will have better access to care under a re-elected Cook Labor Government.
  • Kalgoorlie Step Up Step Down to be transitioned into a publicly run sub-acute mental health facility
  • Commitment to better connect public mental health services
  • Builds on the Cook Labor Government’s record investment in health and mental health

Goldfields locals who are experiencing mental illness will have better access to care under a re-elected Cook Labor Government.

Announced today, WA Labor has pledged to transition the Kalgoorlie Step Up Step Down (SUSD) service into a publicly run sub-acute mental health facility, improving mental health services for the local community.

The 10-bed facility in South Kalgoorlie opened in 2021 and currently offers short-term residential mental health support for people who are at risk of being admitted to hospital (‘step-up’) or transitioning back into the community after leaving hospital (‘step-down’).

The facility will retain the ‘step up step down’ model of care, preventing unnecessary admission and supporting early discharge, allowing locals to recover in their community.

A publicly run facility will provide better access and transition for patients admitted to the inpatient unit at Kalgoorlie Health Campus.

Today’s $9.9 million investment over three years will see the SUSD facility operated by the WA Country Health Service, resulting in more flexible access, more staff, better links with Kalgoorlie Health Campus and the capacity to take on higher acuity patients.

Current operator Neami will continue to operate the SUSD until WACHS takes on the facility, resulting in no disruption of services.

If re-elected, the Cook Labor Government has also committed to produce a master plan for the redevelopment of Kalgoorlie Health Campus, bringing the facility into the future.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

“Sub-acute facilities deliver critical community-based care for mental health patients while playing an important role in freeing up hospital beds."

“We value Neami and the local team’s dedication to consumers and the community, as well as their commitment to delivering services until the transition."

“Only the Cook Labor Government will improve access to mental health services for the Goldfields, and provide more publicly run mental health services in the Goldfields.”

Comments attributed to Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:

“From planning for the future of the Kalgoorlie Health Campus, to improving mental health facilities, the Cook Labor Government is doing what’s right for health services in the Goldfields."

“Access to more targeted mental health facilities have been a priority for me and I’m proud to be part of a Government which is delivering these services for Kalgoorlie-Boulder and beyond.”

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