The turning of the first sod marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MHIPU), which will occur alongside works to deliver a $12 million upgrade of the ED to enhance emergency care.
The mental health unit has been co-designed with mental health clinicians in partnership with consumers and carers with lived experience, to ensure it will better meet the needs of the community.
The current ED will also be upgraded to better meet the critical health needs of the region, including tailored treatment spaces for children and those requiring mental health services.
All current services at Broken Hill Health Service, including the existing emergency department, will continue to operate during construction. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to patients and staff and the community will be informed of any planned changes throughout the construction.
Barpa has been appointed as the contractor to deliver the new Acute MHIPU facility and the ED upgrade, following a competitive tender process.
As part of the 2024-25 Budget, the NSW Government State committed $39 million dollars in funding to the Single Front Door, a new statewide initiative, delivered through Healthdirect which currently provides virtual GP, virtual KIDS and Urgent Care Services.
This funding will allow the service to be expanded to allow those in need of mental health support to call Healthdirect and receive assessment advice from specialist clinicians and be connected with the appropriate services.
Construction of the Broken Hill Emergency Department (ED) and Mental Health Unit redevelopment projects is expected to be completed in late 2025. For more information, visit hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au
