The North West Regional Hospital in Tasmania is set to receive a $40 million mental health precinct as part of a broader effort to enhance mental health services in the north-west region. This project is the first stage of an extensive master plan aimed at improving facilities and services to better meet the needs of the local population.
Location and Design Details
The new mental health precinct will be constructed on a greenfield site near the newly built Burnie Ambulance Station. The facility will feature a 22-bed inpatient unit and a five-bed short-stay unit, providing crucial support for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The design of the precinct will focus on creating a safe, supportive environment for patients and staff alike.
Minister’s Statement on the Project
Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Roger Jaensch highlighted the importance of the facility in providing timely, effective care for those in need. “The Mental Health Precinct will provide essential acute mental health services and will support contemporary, best practice models of care, reflecting modern standards in mental health facility design,” he said.
The building will be designed to offer a welcoming main entrance that is seamlessly connected to the hospital’s internal road network, ensuring easy access to acute services, clinical appointments, and inpatient visitors. Additionally, ample parking will be available for patients, visitors, and staff, promoting convenience and accessibility.
Incorporating Therapeutic Features
A key aspect of the design will be the incorporation of healing gardens. These outdoor spaces are intended to provide both patients and staff with therapeutic environments, where they can engage with nature to aid in the healing process and reduce stress. Such spaces are an integral part of modern mental health care facilities, offering a peaceful and restorative atmosphere for those facing mental health challenges.
Part of Broader $320 Million Mental Health Infrastructure Program
This new precinct is a significant part of Tasmania’s $320 million mental health infrastructure program, which includes several other key projects aimed at strengthening mental health services across the state. One of these is the Northern Mental Health Precinct, which is planned for Launceston General Hospital, further supporting the state’s commitment to improving mental health care.
Construction Timeline
Construction for the North-West Mental Health Precinct is expected to begin in late 2025, pending the necessary approvals. The project is slated for completion by 2027, providing much-needed resources for the region’s mental health system. The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to address mental health needs and improve the quality of care for all residents.
