The Broken Hill community is a step closer to enhanced emergency and mental health care, with construction now underway on the Broken Hill Emergency Department (ED) and Mental Health Unit redevelopment projects.
The turning of the first sod marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MHIPU), which will occur alongside works to deliver a $10 million upgrade of the ED to enhance emergency care.
The mental health unit has been co-designed with mental health clinicians in partnership with consumers and carers with lived experience, to ensure it will better meet the needs of the community.
The current ED will also be upgraded to better meet the critical health needs of the region, including tailored treatment spaces for children and those requiring mental health services.
All current services at Broken Hill Health Service, including the existing emergency department, will continue to operate during construction. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to patients and staff and the community will be informed of any planned changes throughout the construction.
Barpa has been appointed as the contractor to deliver the new Acute MHIPU facility and the ED upgrade, following a competitive tender process.
As part of the 2024-25 Budget, the NSW Government State committed $39 million dollars in funding to the Single Front Door, a new statewide initiative, delivered through Healthdirect which currently provides virtual GP, virtual KIDS and Urgent Care Services.
This funding will allow the service to be expanded to allow those in need of mental health support to call Healthdirect and receive assessment advice from specialist clinicians and be connected with the appropriate services.
Construction of the Broken Hill Emergency Department (ED) and Mental Health Unit redevelopment projects is expected to be completed in late 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"Broken Hill and surrounding communities are set to benefit from these modern and enhanced health facilities, which will provide critical care and mental health support to the community when they need it most.
"I'm thrilled construction has now started on the hospital's expanded and enhanced Emergency Department, which will be a contemporary and fit-for-purpose space to treat people needing urgent care.
"The ED will be extended with a new dedicated 24/7 ED entry and there will be a full internal refurbishment, including a larger light-filled waiting area."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"It's exciting to see this important project come to life, which has been shaped by extensive and valuable feedback from the local community and key stakeholders during the planning and design phase.
"The new mental health unit will ensure communities in regional areas have access to comprehensive facilities and wrap around support services for those with mental health needs. It also provides a safe and therapeutic space for families, carers and staff.
Quotes attributable to Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
"Investment in health infrastructure in regional areas is important for a number of reasons. Providing new or upgraded facilities helps to attract and retain staff and provides a better and safer environment for health workers, and importantly for patients and their families who can be experiencing significant distress when accessing health services."
