James Nash House

In reply to Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (25 July 2015). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries):

The State Government has provided $1.6 million in funding for building works and to recruit a specialist team. The building works involve refurbishment of an existing ward to accommodate forensic patients who have an intellectual disability and/or acquired brain injury. The refurbishment is required to provide a therapeutic environment for these patients, consistent with evidence-based practice in other jurisdictions.

The specialist team is currently being recruited and will comprise senior Allied Health clinicians with skills and experience in developing and implementing programs to support the rehabilitation of patients with intellectual disability and/ or brain injury. This team will work with the medical and nursing staff to design and implement these specialist programs.