by Alesha Capone
Twelve beds across Mercy Health’s two mental health facilities in Wyndham and Maribyrnong closed on Monday, January 31 due to staff being furloughed.
A Mercy Health spokesperson said that like all Victorian mental health services, the organisation was “experiencing increased workforce pressure as a result of the high rates of COVID-19 in our community” with a number of its workers furloughed as a result.
“Mercy Mental Health has two inpatient units, the Clare Moore Building at Werribee Mercy Hospital (50 beds), and Ursula Frayne Centre (16 beds) located in Footscray,” the spokesperson said on Monday.
“Across our two sites, 12 beds are currently closed.”
The spokesperson said the highest total number of bed closures across the Werribee and February facilities, earlier in January, was when 16 out of the 66 beds had to close.
“Mercy Health follows state government directives around the furloughing of staff and return to work guidelines,” the spokesperson said.
“We will progressively open beds when staffing is at a sustainable and safe level.
“This decision is reviewed on a day-by-day basis.
“Our Mercy Mental Health team is working hard to manage the demands across both our hospital and community mental health settings.”
The state government has also urged Victorians to save calling Triple Zero for emergencies, with the Save Lives, Save 000 for Emergencies campaign.
The campaign aims to reduce the number of non-emergency calls to Triple Zero by highlighting the teams of other healthcare professionals who able to help manage non-urgent health care issues, around the clock.
These include GPs, pharmacists and the NURSE-ON-CALL service (1300 60 60 24).
However, those experiencing a medical emergency are still being encouraged to call Triple Zero if they are in doubt about what is happening to them.
Health minister Martin Foley said: “Our hardworking ambos are doing an incredible job of responding to record levels of community demand.
“By saving triple zero for emergencies, we can help ensure our ambulances are available for those who need it most.”
“Victorians are lucky to have so much choice when it comes to healthcare – so we encourage everyone to explore their options most suitable to their needs, whether it’s experienced GPs, pharmacists or registered nurses.”
For assistance contact the Mental Health Foundation Australia helpline on 1300 643 287 (1300 MHF AUS), Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or Headspace on 1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au.
