The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) South Australia Branch has welcomed the South Australian Government's commitment to build three dedicated mental health assessment units and the opening of 44 mental health beds at Modbury Hospital. 

The South Australian Labor Government has committed to build assessment units at the Royal Adelaide, Lyell McEwin and Noarlunga hospitals to provide dedicated care for people experiencing mental health and alcohol and substance use crises. 

RANZCP SA Branch has long advocated for both initiatives as critical improvements to South Australia's mental health system. 

Dr Patrick Clarke, Chair of RANZCP SA Branch, said the announcements demonstrated genuine commitment to consulting with clinicians and responding to identified priorities. 

"For years, we've seen people in mental health and substance use crisis waiting in emergency departments that aren't designed to meet their needs," Dr Clarke said. 

"The new units will provide safer, more therapeutic environments where patients can be assessed and treated with dignity, while also helping to ease the significant pressures our emergency departments face." 

The 44 mental health beds opening at Modbury include rehabilitation and older person mental health services, addressing a critical capacity need in the state's mental health system. 

"These beds will help ensure South Australians can access the specialist inpatient care they need closer to home," Dr Clarke said. 

"We look forward to seeing today's commitments deliver better outcomes for South Australians needing mental health treatment and care.” 

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.  

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org. 

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au. 

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.