New 40-bed mental health facility
starts to take shape

ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA, today released the preliminary sketch plans for Canberra’s new 40-bed Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit to be built at Canberra Hospital.

“This impressive new facility will be a centre of excellence for the provision of adult acute mental health inpatient services. It will be a therapeutic place for healing and will provide holistic, evidence-based quality care,” Ms Gallagher said.

The Minister said the $26.3 million state-of-the-art facility was part of the ACT Government’s Your health – our priority program to overhaul and expand all aspects of the ACT health system.

The Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit will replace the existing Psychiatric Services Unit (Building 15) at Canberra Hospital. It will provide specialised care and treatment for mental health consumers who require short-term intensive therapeutic intervention where less restrictive options have been deemed unsuitable or are unavailable. It will provide a pathway to healing for consumers that are admitted both voluntarily and involuntarily.

“The new building has been designed to recognise a consumer’s journey, from seriously unwell to recovery; from withdrawal to social engagement; from despair to hope,” Ms Gallagher said.

“It will include a 10-bed high dependency wing; 30 low dependency beds in two wings; a central socialisation, living and dining space; a therapies wing; and support areas for treatment, assessment, staff, visitors and reception,” she said.

“The bedroom wings are built around three courtyards, as are the therapy areas. Two smaller courtyards separate the socialisation area from the reception and visitors’ areas. Open space to the west and south provide gardens, a sports court, amphitheatre, and a walking track.”

The building has been designed following broad consultation on a detailed model of care for adult acute mental health inpatient services. Throughout the forward planning and development of the design there has been extensive input from consumer and carer groups and staff.

ACT Chief Psychiatrist Dr Peggy Brown said the facility would be functional, safe and comfortable.

“There is a recognised need to develop practices, therapeutic programs and a physical environment that reflects the recovery focus of services. This new facility will be consumer focussed, providing supportive and safe care in an environment that promotes recovery,” Dr Brown said.

“The preliminary sketch plans represent a further step toward the realisation of yet another facility in the ACT Government’s commitment to ensure health services in the ACT meet future demand,” Ms Gallagher said.

Following the release of the preliminary sketch plans, architects will continue working with stakeholders and staff to refine the plans prior to the lodgement of a development application and the completion of final sketch plans.

Community drop-in sessions are being held at Canberra Hospital on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 December 2009 for local residents and for interested members of the public. The information sessions will enable members of the public to view the preliminary sketch plans and speak to ACT Health staff.

Details about the sessions are being advertised in the Chronicle and in the ACT Government Community Noticeboard. Further information is available from the ACT Health website at: www.health.act.gov.au/communityconsultation

Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2010.

4 December 2009