First look inside the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit

Delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, new unit will expand access to modern, inclusive, and supportive care when it opens for people across the New England region.

Final preparations are underway, with a comprehensive operational commissioning program to ensure a safe and smooth transition for patients from the existing Banksia Unit in the coming weeks.

The new mental health unit features – 

• Four adolescent inpatient beds, providing a new specialist service for young people in the region 
• 25 general adult beds, including a high acuity zone
• Eight bed older persons’ area
• A new forecourt plaza
• Courtyards and an atrium
• A dedicated family room. 

A new bridge connecting the unit to the main hospital will make it easier for patients to access a broader range of health services, supporting more integrated, patient-centred care.

The facility has been designed with input from staff, people with lived experience, the Tamworth Mental Health Carer’s Network and the local community, to create a welcoming and supportive environment.

Aboriginal community representatives helped shaped the design of the new unit, ensuring the new unit is culturally inclusive.

The interior design draws inspiration from the local landscape, reflecting the mountains and skyline, while the exterior references the three rivers surrounding Tamworth, giving the building a strong sense of place.

The facility incorporates artwork from 12 artists from across the region, selected through an open expression of interest, which clinical staff were involved in.

Mental health services will continue to operate from the existing Banksia building until the transition to the new unit is complete. The community will continue to be updated as work progresses.

The project has been delivered in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District, with Hansen Yuncken as the principal contractor.