Alleged delays to the upgrade of Tamworth hospital's Banksia mental health unit are a symbol of a problem that left our region with the highest number of suicides in the state, according to a local politician.
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The Hunter New England health district recorded more victims of suicide than any other in NSW according to new statistics released last week.*
And suicide rates have more than doubled in our region since 2008 according to Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party spokesperson Jeff Bacon.
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Mr Bacon, an unsuccessful candidate at last year's state election, blamed a lack of mental healthcare resources for the increase of suicides.
"It's almost 12 months since the Nationals' Kevin Anderson said that the Banksia mental heath unit upgrade was his highest priority, yet we have seen nothing but delaying tactics from the Government," he said.
"Clearly we in regional NSW are not the priority of this Government."
The upgrade to Tamworth hospital's mental health unit was budgeted last year but construction is not yet scheduled to begin.
HNE's Mental Health Services Executive Director Dr Marcia Fogarty said the plan "is in its final stages" and pointed to an investment of $365,000 to "improve therapeutic environments".
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said in a statement that he is working hard to make the Banksia upgrade happen.
The mental health minister Bronwyn Taylor visited Tamworth in December and February for consultation meetings.
The state government's mental health branch has reviewed the updated plan and has provided modelling data to 2030-31. Around 300 people and community groups were interviewed for the plan.
Mr Anderson said he is working with the Tamworth mental health carers support group "to ensure that the plan to Build a Better Banksia is what the community demands".
The HNE district has the highest number of suicides of any health area. But the region has the third highest rate per capita in NSW.
Murrumbidgee, which contains both Young and Wagga Wagga, has the worst suicide rate in NSW adjusted for population.
Mr Bacon claims suicide rates have more than doubled since 2008, from 63 suicides to 154 in 2017.
The updated health statistics are based on information from NSW Government.
- If you or someone you know needs help or support, call Lifeline's 24/7 national telephone helpline service on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or in an emergency phone 000.
* Editor's note: While the above story mentions the statistics were released last week, they were in fact last updated in october 2019.
