April 2005

Work begins on mental health unit

Work has begun on a 30-bed, purpose-built mental health facility at the Austin Hospital with the turning of the first sod on the site by the Minister for Major Projects John Lenders and Minister for Health Bronwyn Pike.

Mr Lenders said the new $9.45 million Adult Acute Inpatient Unit and Specialist Mental Health Services would be ready for patients by the middle of next year.

‘The new unit is an important part of the largest hospital redevelopment project in Victoria and one of the most significant infrastructure projects currently underway in the State–the Austin Health Redevelopment and Mercy Hospital for Women (A/RM) Project,’ Mr Lenders said.

‘The Government is leading the way with a record investment of almost $12 billion in major project infrastructure across the State, creating jobs and contracting opportunities and contributing significantly to the health of the local and Victorian economy.’

Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the new unit would provide a much-needed boost to psychiatric facilities in the northeast.

‘While the current facilities at the Austin and Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital campuses have served the needs of the community well, they are in need of upgrading.’

The new 30-bed unit will provide:

• New purpose-built facilities for a six-bed mother and baby unit with accommodation also available for patients’ partners;

• Facilities for a nine-bed eating and mood disorders unit;

• A new and expanded 15-bed adult acute unit including four high-dependency beds;

• Greatly improved privacy for all patients with the provision of single bedrooms with ensuites and a variety of communal area;

• Brand new furnishings and equipment and landscaped outdoor areas.

Mr Lenders said the AR/M project brought together two of Victoria’s best public hospitals on one site, providing an improved and expanded range of acute and specialist health services.

‘This $376 million major projects will deliver world-class facilities that will meet the needs of Melbourne community well into the future,’ Mr Lenders said.