Today is the first look at the new and improved Mental Health Unit (MHU) at Joondalup Health Campus, with the final concrete pour due to take place in the coming days.
The internal floor space of the new 102 bed MHU will be 4 times the size of the existing footprint, growing from just under 3,000m2 to almost 13,000m2.
The new MHU is scheduled for completion in August 2023 and is part of the major $256.7 million Joondalup expansion project, which is expected to finish in early 2025.
Comprising of 77 beds, plus an additional 25 beds to meet future demand, the design of the new unit is the result of extensive clinical and consumer input.
The unit will boast abundant natural light and will be recovery-focused, with enclosed landscaped courtyards, terraces and activity areas.
Wellness sessions will be delivered in a purpose built 'recovery hub'. The hub is where patients will be connected with community supports, including consumer and community managed organisations, and non-government agencies.
The MHU is part of a major $256.7 million redevelopment of Joondalup Health Campus, jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments, of which the Commonwealth has committed $158 million under the Western Australian Hospital Infrastructure Package.
Other works in the redevelopment include an expansion of the Emergency Department and staff multistorey car park, which were completed late last year, and the establishment of a new 112 bed block in a design to meet future demand, a new theatre, a new Cath lab and upgraded staff facilities.
A new multi-storey public car park is due to be completed later this year and will vastly improve traffic flow in the area.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"This major upgrade to the Joondalup Health Campus Mental Health Unit will not only enhance capacity, it will greatly improve access to mental health facilities and services for people in Perth's northern suburbs.
"Access to the Mental Health Unit has been specifically designed with patient privacy at the forefront with a discreet entry point for patients.
"This multi-million dollar redevelopment of Joondalup Health Campus will meet hospital demand for residents in Perth's northern corridor."
As stated by Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride:
"The mental health and wellbeing of all Australians is a top priority for the Albanese Government.
"That's why I'm so pleased to see work progressing on the new Mental Health Unit at Joondalup Health Campus.
"This service will play an important role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of this community for many years to come."
As stated by Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:
"I am proud of the McGowan Government's significant investment at the Joondalup Health Campus, which is located in the heart of our rapidly growing northern suburbs.
"Adolescent and youth mental health continues to be raised with me as an area of concern for our community. I am proud that when this new Mental Health Unit opens, 10 youth mental beds will be available for people aged 16-24, with 10 additional beds for future demand.
"This will be first time mental health beds will be available for people under the age of 18 at the Joondalup Health Campus."
