A new private rehabilitation facility planned for the South West could be open as soon as 2017 with the City of Busselton calling for public comment on the proposed hospital.
Managing Director Dr Khim Harris, along with wife and business partner Eugenie have sought approval for the hospital to be established in Metricup and said care would be offered to people battling drug and alcohol dependencies.
“There are many people within the community who do not relate to the public perception of an ‘addict’ and therefore find it hard to seek treatment,” Dr Harris said.
“While drugs like ice receive a lot of attention in the media, we expect a large percentage of our patients will be dealing with alcohol dependency and other behaviour that has become damaging to family and work life.
The hospital will feature a 10-bed inpatient unit and a day centre for up to 30 people staying in chalet accommodation on the property to complete a 90-day recovery program.
“While it’s not a celebrity style luxury rehabilitation clinic, we strongly believe in the therapeutic benefits of the region, in such a peaceful setting with lots of opportunities to connect with the environment,” Mrs Harris said.
Dr Harris said the public perception of addiction was one that excluded “normal, working families” who did not take on the outward appearance or live in squalid conditions associated with drug and alcohol dependency.
“Many people believe rehabilitation to be quite confronting, and it’s very easy to say ‘That’s not me’ because they don’t relate to those harrowing cases.
“The reality is that there are thousands of people dealing with addictions to alcohol, over the counter medication and prescription drugs who need a place to deal with the deeper issues behind those dependencies.”
If approved, Margaret River Private will be the first of its kind in Western Australia.
Dr Harris said while the hospital would take a “strong medical approach” to addiction treatment, it was important for surrounding residents and community members to understand that programs would not be similar to methadone or other medically-assisted clinics.
“Research shows that people who are dependent on alcohol or drugs can break the cycle of addiction through medically-assisted treatment combined with recovery-focused therapies within a community setting,” he said.
“There are a number of similar facilities around Australia but none of this kind in WA.
“We aim to establish a highly confidential recovery program that combines farming and recreational activities with group therapy, one-on-one counselling and a range of add-on therapies by visiting health professionals.
A recent plan from the WA Mental Health Commission identified a pressing need to increase private and non-governmental health facilities to ease reliance on government funded services, already at capacity particularly in regional areas.
“People with private health cover could expect to pay very little for the rehabilitation program at Margaret River Private, while patients without private cover will also find the service extremely affordable,” Dr Harris said.
“Many people find the idea of rehabilitation very confronting, the thought of being associated with the stark image of addiction portrayed in the mainstream.
“We want to help mums and dads, employees, people who have found themselves relying on something that is causing physical or emotional damage to their lives and are looking for solutions.
The City of Busselton has opened the matter for public comment until July 13.
More information on the proposal can be found at busselton.wa.gov.au/Developing-Busselton/Public-Consultation