CONSTRUCTION on the Northern Hospital’s new acute mental health facility is now complete and set to open in April.
It is one of nine facilities across Victoria, funded through the State Government’s Mental Health Beds Expansion program.
The 30-bed facility, located next to the Northern Hospital in Cooper Street, Epping, features treatment and multi-purpose rooms, staff and family lounge, internal courtyards, enclosed garden areas and 240 modules.
It’s expected the facility will provide almost 11,000 days of care to about 650 people each year once it opens in coming months.
Designed in consultation with people who have lived experience of the mental health system, including patients, carers and staff, the new facility aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people experiencing acute mental health concerns.
Northern Health director of nursing for mental health Gary Ennis said the facility would be a welcome addition to the Northern Hospital and create greater flexibility for mental health care.
“This facility will be a great asset to our growing local community. It’s fantastic to see the impact the input from our lived-experience consumers has had on the final result,” he said.
“This unit is a fit-for-purpose space for staff to work in and a comfortable environment for patients to recover in.”
Built in response to a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the facility is expected to reduce pressure on the Northern Hospital’s emergency department to deliver inpatient acute mental health services.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams last week visited Northern Health to announce the completion of the facility.
Mr Andrews said in addition to providing the mental health support people need, the project had supported about 450 construction jobs while being built.
“We know our mental health system needs to grow to care for every Victorian who needs it,” he said.
“That’s why we’re not wasting a moment in delivering the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
“This new facility will allow people in Melbourne’s growing northern suburbs to receive the support they need close to their homes, families and support networks.”
Ms Williams said $1.3 billion was invested in further support for the mental health system in the Victorian Budget 2022-23, adding to $3.8 billion in the 2021-22 Budget.
“The new mental health facility at the Northern Hospital will ensure that more people experiencing mental ill health can access timely and first-rate care in their own community,” she said.
As part of the Mental Health Beds Expansion Program, additional beds will also be delivered at Sunshine Hospital and the Royal Melbourne Hospital as well as in other places including Ballarat, Shepparton, Footscray and Melton.
