The first mental health unit to be built in north-west Western Australia is due to open within weeks.

However, there is concern the $9 million facility will not be big enough to cater for the hundreds of people flown to Perth each year for treatment.

Broome resident Pearl Smith suffers from bipolar disorder and is one of about 200 people who flies from the Kimberley to Perth for urgent mental health care.

She says travelling more than 2,000 kilometres to Graylands was traumatic.

“You get used to the place but I think it’s a good idea they’re building a psych ward in the Kimberley,” she said.

However, Cecilia Dann, who runs the local mental health support group, says the 14 beds are not enough.

“It’s not really large enough because it’s a big area we’re actually covering,” she said.

The unit will accept patients from across the Pilbara and Kimberley.

As first appeared on ABC online, April 02, 2012