Community
10 March, 2025
Free mental health clinic
A NEW free mental health clinic aiming to take the pressure off Cairns Hospital is due to accept patients in June.
It is being funded through Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), in partnership with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS), and will be operated by Mind Australia.
It will receive funding to open and then about $4 million a year to operate services.
The initial contract is for two years.
The location of the Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre is yet to be determined.
NQPHN chief executive officer Ben Tooth said it was positive news for the Cairns region.
“We know mental health is one of the biggest health challenges in our community, with many people experiencing distress and crisis,” he said.
“The centre will make a real difference, giving people a supportive place to turn to in times of distress and crisis.
“We are pleased to work with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service and Mind on this significant initiative.”
NQPHN and CHHHS undertook an extensive co-design process with community members and the Lived Experience Advisory Group to ensure the centre would meet the needs of those it serves.
It will provide an alternative service to the emergency department for people experiencing mental health distress.
CHHHS chief executive officer Leena Singh said improving access to and the delivery of mental health services in the Far North was one of the most pressing priorities of the health service.
“Expanding mental health services in our community can help reduce the burden on our hospitals and emergency services,” she said.
“This will allow individuals to have greater access to early intervention and ongoing support.
“This, not only benefits the individuals experiencing psychological distress, but also for their loved ones and contributes to the overall wellbeing of our communities.”
Mind Australia chief executive officer Gill Callister said her organisation knew that accessible community-based support could make all the difference in helping people address problems before they reach crisis point”.
“Mind has a proven track record of delivering high-quality, free, centre-based mental health support throughout Australia,” she said.
Mind has operated in the Cairns and Hinterland region since 2015.
