“From what I can see they’re refusing to create the space in the hospital for the beds. The CEO[Andrew Newton] is refusing to communicate about these beds. When I try and try and try to ask what’s happening,I’m fobbed off. I’ve never come across such unprofessionalism and arrogance in my entire professional career.”
Scamps said the closest specialist facility that offered beds for mental health paediatric patients was in Hornsby but for children in a crisis,that was too far away.
“If the adolescent mental health beds aren’t in place by Christmas this year,then Andrew Newton,the CEO should resign,” Scamps told theHerald.
A spokesperson for Healthscope,which operates the hospital,said it would not comment on the funding roll-out delays and offered no timeline as to when the beds would be built. Newton offered no comment either,instead sending theHerald’s questions to Northern Sydney Local Health District.
A spokesperson for the NSLHD said that,while no specialised unit had been built,and a timeline could not be guaranteed,there was now one full-time youth psychiatrist at the hospital,where there had previously been none.
Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said on Monday the situation was “concerning” and the state government needed to be doing “everything we can to provide accessible support for those experiencing a mental health crisis”.
“We can’t have vulnerable people in a position of not knowing where to turn and what help is available to them,” Jackson said.
“We will be monitoring this situation closely to ensure the delivery of more beds for critical mental health support for young people at Northern Beaches Hospital is delivered as quickly as it can be.”
If you or anyone you know needs support,callLifeline on 131 114 orBeyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
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