The State Government is delivering for Queensland mums and bubs, doubling the number of perinatal mental health beds across the State, including eight new beds on the Sunshine Coast.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government’s Hospital Rescue Plan would boost the number of publicly-funded specialist perinatal mental health beds across the state from 12 to 42.
“We are delivering 30 new perinatal beds across Queensland through the Hospital Rescue Plan, including on the Sunshine Coast,” Minister Nicholls said.
“We are making sure these beds are delivered as quickly as possible and at the best value for Queenslanders’ money through a rigorous procurement progress.
“These additional mother-baby beds will help to ensure Queensland families have access to the specialist care when and where they need it during the perinatal period between conception and 12 months postpartum.
Deputy Premier and Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said the new perinatal beds would provide easier access to health services for Sunshine Coast mums.
“It’s absolutely critical that our new mums, bubs and their families can access in-patient support when they need it, without the need to travel to Brisbane or the Gold Coast,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of our fastest growing regions, which is why it is one of our priority locations to deliver these new beds that will ensure mums can access mental healthcare with their baby beside them in a safe environment.”
Sunshine Coast Health Acting Chief Executive Joanne Shaw welcomed the investment in perinatal mental health.
“Becoming a mother is a life-changing transition and ensuring mums have the right mental health support during this time is not only essential for their wellbeing, it lays the foundation for the health and development of their babies,” she said.
“Each year, more than 3700 babies are born in the Sunshine Coast Health region and this dedicated facility will provide compassionate, evidence-based care that supports recovery and strengthens early parent-child bonds.”
