The new Tamworth Mental Health Unit has reached a major milestone, with the structure of the three-storey building now complete.
A new completed bridge will provide a direct connection between the inpatient floor of the new facility and the Tamworth Hospital building. The 23-metre-long bridge, which was built off-site, was assembled at the hospital campus and craned into position. Once the bridge is operational, it will make it safer and easier for consumers to receive integrated care.
The new unit, which will replace the nearby Banksia Mental Health Unit, will include:
- 4 adolescent inpatient beds
- 20 general adult beds, as well as a 5-bed adult high acuity zone
- 8 bed older persons’ area
With structural works now complete, the project team will continue the internal fit-out, services installation and exterior works.
Health services are continuing to operate during construction, with the new mental health unit expected to be completed in 2025.
The project is being delivered by Hunter New England Local Health District and Health Infrastructure as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.
The construction has provided a major boost to the local economy with the employment of local contractors and sub-contractors by builder Hansen Yuncken.
To date, more than 400 workers have been inducted on site, with a significant percentage of people from the local region.
From left: Hansen Yuncken Regional NSW Manager Pat McAllister; HNELHD Acting Executive Director Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability Anna Styles-Tape; Ministry of Health Chief Executive Tracey McCosker; Health Infrastructure Executive Director, Rural and Regional Amanda Bock; Ministry of Health Executive Director of Operations Susan Heyman; and HNELHD Mental Health Services General Manager Jonathan Holt.
