New facility supports growing demand for community-based care
Official opening and blessing of Narre Warren
From L-R: SJG Director Community Mental Health Services Naomi Boyd, SJG Trustee Chair Hon Neville Owen AO, SJG Board Member Shelley Park, SJG Social Outreach CEO Susan Cantwell, SJG Trustee Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM and The Most Reverend Greg Bennet, Bishop of Sale
This week, St John of God Raphael Services and St John of God Healthcare at Home marked an important milestone with the opening of their new shared facility in Narre Warren, creating the space and capacity needed to meet growing demand for community-based health care across Melbourne's south east and Gippsland region.
The relocation reflects the growth and success of both services, which have outgrown their previous home in Berwick after many years of supporting local communities with specialist care and support.
For almost two decades, St John of God Raphael Services has provided specialist perinatal and infant mental health care for women, babies and families, supporting thousands of people experiencing postnatal depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges at a critical time in their lives.
St John of God Healthcare at Home has also expanded significantly over the past 15 years, delivering high-quality clinical care in people's homes and community settings through services including rehabilitation, infusion therapies, postnatal support and specialist nursing care.
Speaking at the opening, St John of God Social Outreach CEO Susan Cantwell said the growth of both services reflects changing health care needs and increasing demand for care that can be delivered outside the hospital setting and closer to home and community.
"St John of God Healthcare at Home and St John of God Raphael Services play an important role in supporting the broader health system. They help reduce barriers to accessing care, support earlier discharge from hospital, help prevent avoidable admissions and ensure people receive the right care in the right setting.” she said.
Located in Narre Warren, the fit for purpose site represents a $500,000 investment and offers improved accessibility for patients, families and caregivers, with convenient public transport connections, freeway access, additional consultation rooms and dedicated group spaces.
The new facility will enable both services to continue growing and evolving, ensuring more people across Melbourne's south east and Gippsland region can access the care and support they need, when and where they need it most.