The new Mental Health Unit at Tamworth Hospital in New South Wales has achieved an important construction milestone with the completion of its three-story structure. This facility is set to open later this year and aims to significantly improve mental health services for Tamworth and neighboring areas.
According to NSW Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson, the new unit will allow for direct access to the hospital, which is expected to lead to better care for patients, their families, and caregivers. The unit features an innovative design, including a 23-meter-long bridge that connects it directly to Tamworth Hospital, enhancing the overall patient experience and safety.
Built in three sections off-site and then assembled, the bridge will help create a seamless and safer care environment for individuals seeking mental health support. The unit will replace the existing Banksia Mental Health Unit and will provide various services, including four inpatient beds for teenagers, 20 for adults, a five-bed area for those needing high-intensity care, and eight beds designated for older adults.
With the completion of the building structure, the focus has now shifted to the internal setups, service installations, and work on the building’s exterior. Services at the current Banksia Mental Health Unit will continue running during the construction, ensuring that care remains uninterrupted until the new facility opens later this year.
This project is part of the NSW Government’s extensive A$700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program and is a collaboration between Hunter New England Local Health District and Health Infrastructure, with Hansen Yuncken as the construction firm.
The construction has provided a boost to the local economy, employing numerous local contractors and subcontractors. Over 400 workers have worked on-site, many of whom are from the local community.
Jonathan Holt, general manager of Mental Health Services at Hunter New England Local Health District, shared that the new unit will include a forecourt filled with native gardens. This area will serve as a gathering space, along with a family room and courtyard, fostering connections among patients and their families to assist in the healing process.
In addition to the Tamworth project, demolition has also begun at Liverpool Hospital as part of its redevelopment into the Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct.
