The latest designs for the new mental health unit at Tamworth have been unveiled, following consultation with staff, consumers, carers and the local community.
The NSW Government is investing in a modern, purpose-built health facility, that will also bring a much-needed expansion of mental health services to the area.
The detailed designs have been informed by extensive consultation which balance community, culture and treatment. The facility features a welcoming light-filled atrium with calming colours inspired by the three rivers surrounding Tamworth.
Active engagement with the local Aboriginal community has also informed the designs to deliver a culturally inclusive facility that supports the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal patients and visitors.
Replacing the Banksia Mental Health Unit, the first level of the new 37-bed facility has 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 is designed to treat consumers of all ages from the New England and North West regions of NSW and will include:
- four adolescent inpatient beds
- 20-bed adult area, and five adult high-acuity beds
- eight-bed older persons area
- child and adolescent community mental health services
Early works for the project are underway, including new carparking with an extra 44 public car parking spaces across the hospital campus.
The new Tamworth mental health unit is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million State-wide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.
Main construction works are expected to start later this year, with the facility scheduled to open in 2025.
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