State-of-the-art mental health unit opens in Broken Hill
A new, state-of-the-art Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit (AMHIPU) was declared officially open today in Broken Hill by NSW Minister for Mental Health, the Hon. Rose Jackson.
With the new unit, the Far West Community will have access to improved health services, faster assessment times and individualised care plan options.
Located on the campus of Broken Hill Health Service, the contemporary unit features:
• Eight single inpatient rooms with dedicated ensuite bathrooms – an uplift on the former unit.
• An internal communal lounge and dining area.
• A sensory modulation room, multi-activity space and exercise room.
• A large, partially covered external courtyard, which adds natural light and fresh air to the facility.
Landscaping has been influenced by Aboriginal culture and connection to the land and local artwork has been carefully selected to contribute to a healing environment.
From left: FWLHD Chief Executive, Mark Dykgraaf, FWLHD Board member, Justin Files, the Hon. Rose Jackson, Minister for Mental Health, FWLHD A/Director MHDA, Ryan Rooney and Health Infrastructure Executive Director, Rural and Regional, Amanda Bock.
The purpose-built facility was delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700m Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program and is part of the broader Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment, delivering a $12 million upgrade for the emergency department.
The final stage of the emergency department upgrades is expected to be complete by end of the year.
As part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program, 20 new modern staff accommodation units have also been delivered to the hospital campus, adjacent to existing staff quarters.