The Broken Hill community has been given a first look at designs for the new purpose-built Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit which will provide a modern and contemporary therapeutic space for people with mental health needs, their families, carers and staff.
Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson, said the new co-designed facility will be built on the Broken Hill Base Hospital campus in Thomas Street, and will provide safe and reliable care for vulnerable people now and into the future.
"Having a space which complements recovery and is close to other related health services is essential. The design of this facility shows the future of mental health care in Broken Hill," Ms Jackson said.
"We want to ensure communities in regional areas have access to comprehensive facilities and services to provide elevated support for those with mental health needs."
The Mental Health Inpatient Unit will be built to the south-west of the current facility and adjacent to existing community mental health related services which received positive feedback during the master planning process.
The proposed location takes into account key considerations including options for future expansion, proximity to the Emergency Department which is also being expanded as part of the Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment Project, and impact to hospital operations.
The new designs showcase the exterior of the building, including key features such as the front entry and main courtyard.
"Safe and secure outside spaces are an important consideration in the design, with the availability of natural light and fresh air, as well as Indigenous influenced landscaping, contributing to a therapeutic and culturally safe environment for all people in our community," Ms Jackson said.
"Internally, the unit will be used flexibly to care for a range of mental health consumers including the most vulnerable and those with very high needs."
FWLHD Chief Executive, Mr Brad Astill, said extensive consultation with staff, carers and the community, including Aboriginal representatives, has enabled the project team to take on feedback on various aspects of the building design to ensure it best supports clinical and staffing needs.
"Co-design has been crucial in providing valuable input into the infrastructure so that it meets the needs of Broken Hill and surrounding communities."
"I encourage everyone in the community to view the concept designs and speak directly with the project team at a series of information sessions in July," Mr Astill said.
Pop-up sessions will be held as follows:
Monday 10 July 2023, 3.30pm - 5.00pm
Outside Coles Supermarket, South St, Broken Hill
Tuesday 11 July 2023, 9.00am - 10.30am
Westside Plaza, 5 Galena St, Broken Hill
Tuesday 11 July 2023, 11.00am - 12.30pm
Main Foyer, Broken Hill Health Service, Thomas St, Broken Hill
The Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment also includes a $10 million upgrade to the hospital's Emergency Department, which will be reconfigured to better meet the critical health needs of the region and includes tailored treatment spaces for children and those requiring mental health services.
Construction is expected to start in early 2024.
