Service provider announced for Warwick Medicare Mental Health Centre

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN has announced the selection of a service provider to deliver the Warwick Medicare Mental Health Centre.

Following a thorough co-design process and open-market tender, Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN has announced RHealth as the chosen service provider.

The Warwick Medicare Mental Health Centre is co-funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and will join an established national network of Medicare Mental Health Centres that provide a ‘no wrong door’ entry point into the mental health care system.

The new centre in Warwick will be the third within the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN region, joining the existing centres in Ipswich and Kingaroy, as well as the national Medicare Mental Health Phone Service.

Medicare Mental Health Centres provide immediate short- or medium-term support for people who require mental health support at any level, including people who are experiencing a crisis or significant distress.

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN CEO Lucille Chalmers said the PHN had undertaken a comprehensive process to determine the most suitable service provider.

“We are pleased to partner with RHealth as a highly respected and experienced provider of health services in our region.”

A Co-design Panel in Warwick provided significant input into the specific local requirements of the Warwick centre prior to the tender process.

“We have worked closely with our fantastic partners in the community to design a centre that complements existing services in Warwick, and meets the needs of the wider Southern Downs community,” said Ms Chalmers.

The PHN will continue to work in partnership with existing Medicare Mental Health service providers – Open Minds and Neami – along with GPs, mental health providers and the Hospital and Health Services to ensure mental health services are available to everyone living in the region.

The RHealth Board Chair Dr Ross Hetherington welcomed the announcement, highlighting the value of expanding local mental health services.

“After running headspace Warwick for over 15 years, the Warwick Medicare Mental Health Centre represents an exciting opportunity to expand our experience into a no wrong door wrap-around service for many more people.

“RHealth welcomes the opportunity to establish this vital service, and continuing to serve the Warwick and Southern Downs communities in partnership with the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN,” Dr Hetherington said.

The establishment of the Warwick Medicare Mental Health Centre site is now underway, with initial operations anticipated for late 2025.