Arabic version: سكان ويميرا يطالبون بمنشأة للصحة النفسية تعمل على مدار الساعة في هورشام

According to ABC News, Wimmera residents are calling for a 24-hour mental health facility in Horsham, saying local access to treatment is limited despite high rates of mental health distress and suicide in parts of the region.

Horsham mother Stacey Kelly has travelled by public transport to Ballarat for treatment since 2022, making a five-hour return journey. Kelly, who lives with depression, anxiety and depressive psychosis, said a local service would reduce the effect of treatment travel on her family, finances and stability.

Horsham Rural City Council is advocating for a round-the-clock facility. Mayor Brian Klowss said Horsham, the region’s largest population centre and referral hub, has no local inpatient unit. People presenting after hours at Wimmera Base Hospital with a mental health issue may be connected to a telephone triage service based in Ballarat.

Klowss said about 400 people from the Wimmera are admitted or transported to Ballarat Hospital each year for mental health-related issues. Data cited from a Western Victorian Primary Health Network report showed Horsham’s emergency department presentation rate for mental health and behavioural disorders was 2.15 times Victoria’s average.

Mental Health Victoria chief executive Phillipa Thomas said the distribution of services did not meet the Wimmera community’s needs in the same way as other parts of Victoria. A Grampians Health spokesperson said there are no current plans for a 24/7 inpatient mental health facility in Horsham, while the Victorian government said regional residents can access crisis assessment, treatment and other support through the Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing service.