A welcoming light-filled atrium and calming colours inspired by the three rivers surrounding Tamworth are among the highlights of the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit, with the latest designs unveiled yesterday.
Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said new artist impressions showcase the detailed designs for the new 37-bed unit, which have been developed following extensive consultation with staff, consumers, carers, community members and the local Aboriginal community.
“This is a project close to the hearts of the Tamworth community and it’s exciting to be able to share the latest designs that have been shaped by their input.”
“Community insight is invaluable and we want to ensure that we’re incorporating as much feedback as we can,” she said.
“We look forward to welcoming the community and staff to information sessions being held this month where they will have the opportunity to view the designs in-person and speak with the project team.”
Artists impression of the new mental health facility to be built in Tamworth.
“Listening to locals and creating facilities based off their feedback is a vital part of this process,” Ms Jackson said.
The new mental health unit, which will replace the Banksia Mental Health unit, will be built on two levels and include direct enclosed access to the hospital via a new walkway. New staff offices will occupy the third level.
The first level comprises the main entrance lobby for direct access to Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health Services, and stair and lift access to the adolescent, adult and older persons’ mental health inpatient beds and facilities.
The new mental health unit will provide services for children, adolescents, adults and older people. It will include:
- Four adolescent inpatient beds
- 20-bed adult area, as well as five adult high-acuity beds
- Eight-bed older persons’ area
- Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health Services
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson welcomed the release of updates plans after he had fought to ensure the new facility would have beds and services for children and adolescents.
“I have been fighting for a better Banksia for some time, working with the Tamworth Mental Health Carers Support Group and the community to ensure we get the facility we need, and the facility we deserve,” Mr Anderson said.
“A big part of the work we did was to get the additional funding necessary to include child and adolescent beds in the unit, ensuring that we ended the practice of sending our kids to Newcastle’s NEXUS unit for care.”
“This is now a $56.2 million, 37 bed facility and I welcome the updated concept designs which give us further detail in relation to how patients will interact with the new facility.”
Early works for the project are underway, including new carparking which will create an extra 44 public car parking spaces across the hospital campus.
Main construction works are expected to start later this year and the new building is scheduled to open by 2025.
The next community information session about the new facility will take place today at 11am, at Tamworth Hospital.
For more information about the Tamworth Mental Health Unit visit: hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/banksia
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