Labour will bowl over a rundown mental health facility in Rotorua and replace it with a "safer, more therapeutic environment" if re-elected, the party's health spokesperson has announced.
Chris Hipkins says a new acute inpatient mental health facility at Rotorua Hospital would allow staff to "provide more patient-centred and culturally appropriate care" than the current structure.
Construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2021, and expected to take about two years to complete.
The Government would contribute $25 million to the project - with the Lakes DHB providing another $6 million - to deliver capacity for around 16 beds, with the potential for an expansion to 20 beds in the future.
"This new facility will make a real difference to service users, whānau and staff... There will be flexibility to better meet specific needs, such as young adults and older people," Hipkins said.
"The facility will be more spacious and light, with improved whānau spaces and a safer, more therapeutic environment to support recovery. Improved health outcomes will reduce re-admissions and demand for sub-acute and community beds."
Hipkins says the current facility - the 14-bed Whare Whakaue acute mental health and addictions facility - has a negative effect on the quality of care provided, as it's 40 years-old and in poor condition.
He says the growing number of people in Rotorua, Taupō and surrounding areas that require treatment "deserve better".
Local iwi have been consulted on the project in efforts to meet the needs of the area's Māori communities, who make up about 35 percent of the local population.
As part of its investment in health in the region, Labour is also vowing to deliver more integrated primary care and community-based acute options, and establish strong linkages with outreach, home and community services.
"This will mean people can get better and earlier access to services, particularly for at risk groups such as pregnant mothers, youth, Māori and people with alcohol and drug addictions," he said.
