Safe room secured for hospital

Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson said a consultation process will now commence with Young District Hospital staff to redevelop an area in the Emergency Department into a Safe Assessment Room.

"The room will be developed into a comfortable environment for mental health patients and provide greater security for hospital staff and other patients," Ms Hodgkinson said.

"This is a huge win for the medical personnel of Young and local police who have been pushing for this vital piece of infrastructure and I am pleased to confirm works will be completed by September 2017.

"Young District Hospital staff and Visiting Medical Officers will be trained in the safe and appropriate use of the Safe Assessment Room.

Ms Hodgkinson said local Police from the Cootamundra LAC will also be invited to participate in the training.

Cootamundra LAC Superintendent Christopher Schilt said Police support a mental health space at the hospital.

"We welcome any improvement to any hospital facility that allows for improved safety of the public and workers," he said.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said the NSW Government is committed to building world-class, community-based mental health care services so people experiencing mental illness can live a better life.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District Director (MLHD) of Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Robyn Manzie said MLHD will progress the redevelopment of an area in the Young Emergency Department as a safe assessment room.

"Currently any person presenting with a mental health condition to Young ED is triaged and treated according to their clinical presentation," she said. "NSW Health, including Ambulance, and the Police Force will continue to work together to respond to situations involving people with mental health concerns to ensure the safety of all patients, staff and visitors."