The NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, said $1.8 million had been allocated in this year’s budget to provide six overnight mental health beds and two high dependency unit beds.

“Currently inpatient mental health care for the region is provided at Goulburn, Albury and Wagga Wagga,” he said.

“It will mean reduced personal costs to patients, families and carers because people will be assessed, stabilised and treated closer to home in a secure and safe environment.

“This unit will also reduce the reliance on police and ambulance assisted transport.

“The unit is an interim measure to serve the local community until a new 20-bed facility is constructed as part of the new Bega Hospital project.

“As I indicated earlier this week, planning and design work is continuing on that project so we’re ready when state revenues recover from the current economic climate and money is available,” the Minister said.

“Negotiations are also underway for the purchase of land identified as the favoured site for the hospital at South Bega.

“Work on the interim mental health unit is expected to start in late August and be completed by May next year.

“We are investing in Bega and the services the local community needs,” the Minister said.