A lack of suitable ­assessment areas and the risks posed in the emergency department have forced the measures.

The increasing burden of the mentally ill — health workers have seen more than 600 patients in the first six months of the year — has pushed the ­issue to breaking point.

Health experts say up to six people a month are now locked up while awaiting assessment.

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The Border Mail understands the issue was raised with the Victorian Department of Human Services more than a year ago and is still unresolved.

An ambulance officer said the cells provided the safest option but the fix was never intended to be permanent.

“Some mental health patients, in the acute stage of their illness, are so agitated and distressed their behaviour is a danger to themselves and others,” the paramedic said.

“They require specialist accommodation but it was realised that this cannot be provided in the emergency department as there are members of the public in all cubicles ... and ample medical equipment within grasping range of most beds can be used as weapons.

“In response, and with some trepidation, it was decided by all agencies involved in the care of mental health patients that the safest option was for police — who are often first line responders to them — to apprehend them and take them into the holding cells at the Wodonga station until mental health workers can attend ...”

Albury Wodonga Health head of adult mental health services at the Wodonga Campus Greg Calder says the emergency department needs to be redesigned to meet the specialist needs of the mentally ill.

“These people need privacy for themselves and others, somewhere that is safe for them, staff and patients,” he said.

The Police Association says the situation is the best result for police ­resources.

“The alternative is that Wodonga loses a van from the road as the officers babysit someone at the hospital,” union secretary Greg Davies said.

“The cells are the safest alternative and best way of keeping police on the road, responding to law and order issues.”