OUR SAY: Nolan House rebuild announcement a significant step for region

The Nolan House facility at Albury hospital has long been weighed down by demand, and that has grown even more onerous from one year to the next.

The whole multi-layered issue of mental health - covering everything from depression- and anxiety-related issues to more complex needs requiring a multi-disciplinary approach - has meant more and more people needing such help.

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Albury MP Justin Clancy stated that one of his first priorities on being elected was getting a far better deal for Nolan House.

Likewise, his predecessor, Greg Aplin noted how Nolan House was "a facility well out of time, its layout flawed and safety of patients and staff compromised".

Nolan House has been hamstrung for some time in being able to efficiency address inpatient needs in line with contemporary mental health care practice.

A key part though of working towards just what sort of rebuild is required has been the preparation of a clinical services plan.

Such a plan, as Mr Clancy has previously outlined, is crucial because this "tells you of your needs and projected needs, to allow that to inform more fully a design".

We have now though had it confirmed that a rebuild of Nolan House is not too far away, with Friday's visit by NSW Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor to Albury for a "significant announcement".

Mr Clancy, for one, is delighted with the step, but so will be the many dedicated supporters who have long advocated for such an overhaul.

Friends of Nolan House has been untiring in its dedication to the cause, centred on the accepted fact of mental health being, as group member Les Schmutter previously said, "probably the biggest growth area in the medical industry".

We welcome the minister's arrival on the Border for such a momentous step for better mental health and look forward to a start to this essential infrastructure project, the importance of which cannot be underestimated for so many in our community.

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