Staff morale had improved and yesterday's announcement will certainly add to that positive vibe that this is an organisation for which the dark days are in the past.
Allowing for improved facilities will further enhance the good work being done by the health board in respect of ensuring the best systems are in place for our most vulnerable.
While it is the care and attention received that will make the greater difference, the environment plays a large part in that, so improved conditions will aid treatment and improve working conditions for staff.
Many will, no doubt, say that this is a long-overdue investment in Wanganui's mental health care and doesn't go anywhere near far enough to ensure all people who need care get what is best for them. They might also suggest the timing is a little off and represents little more than a softener before the election to a region hit hard by job losses in government departments such as NZTA and DoC.
The appearance of high-profile, high-level government minister Tony Ryall will only serve to feed that suggestion. But, rather than looking a gift horse in the mouth, as the saying goes, we should all be at least grateful that in these times of fiscal austerity, we have at least been afforded this funding.
If it helps shore up a once-ailing service to the betterment of our community, then that is surely a good thing.
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