New community mental health facility opens in Rodney

23 September 2013

New community mental health facility opens in Rodney

The first of several new community mental health facilities planned by Waitemata District Health Board opens today.

Piri Pono in Silverdale, which is being officially opened by Rodney MP Mark Mitchell, will enable the DHB to provide Rodney residents with care closer to home.

“Piri Pono is part of an expansion of mental health services for our district’s growing population,” says Waitemata DHB CEO Dr Dale Bramley.

“Along with building a new $25 million, 46-bed mental health facility adjacent to North Shore Hospital, we will also be delivering up to 17 more beds in community settings – Piri Pono is the first of these new facilities.” The five-bed facility in Silverdale will be operated by non-government organisation provider Connect Supporting Recovery.

Connect CEO Lorna Murray is thrilled with the new facility.

“Piri Pono has been many months in the planning and through the hard work and support of everyone involved, we’re delighted to be able to open this facility.

“It will offer much needed care close to home for people in Rodney.” Waitemata DHB clinical director for mental health services, Dr Murray Patton, says residential services like Piri Pono are well-established internationally, and have been developed successfully in other parts of New Zealand.

“These are services that are located within the community close to a community mental health team, enabling us to provide care, support and short term accommodation for those requiring treatment and support.”

ENDS

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