BHS executive director acute operations Ben Kelly said the organisation’s mental health care structure was outdated, stemming from deinstitutionalisation about 25 years ago. 

Mr Kelly said there had already been a gradual shift towards a community model, with patients responding quicker to care in their own homes and communities. This was the next step.

Occupancy at the Eureka-based units, which house 20 beds, had steadily declined to about 50 to 60 per cent the past five years.

“Our responsibility is the whole Grampians region, which is somewhat unique, so we are working with people in Nhill and Warracknabeal,” Mr Kelly said. 

“...It’s not contemporary. These days it’s about keeping them engaged in their community. We know that people recover faster from mental illness when they can access treatment in the community. It maintains important social, family and community ties.”

Mr Kelly said there would be no immediate impact on Eastern View patients.

The restructure affected patients with chronic mental illness and Mr Kelly said this would not impact beds or resources in BHS’ acute mental health wards.

He also said there would be no funding or job losses under the restructure and staff are to be involved in consultation during the transition, including the potential to become more mobile and methods to reach clients.

BHS plans to work closely with regional service providers and Department of Health and Human Services to ensure the right resources and infrastructure is in place for patients in their home communities.

Mr Kelly said BHS would assist clients and families to make a smooth transition, should the proposed changes go ahead, for a full community-based model by the year’s end. It was unclear what the plans are for Eastern View facilities.