28 November 2005

Minister inspects progress of $36.2 million Mental Health Unit

Progress on the $36.2 million expansion and redevelopment of adult and adolescent mental health in-patient facilities in Lismore was inspected today by NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos during his visit to the North Coast.

The Minister visited the site as part of his inspection of recent enhancement work at Lismore Base Hospital, including the expanded emergency department that now has two multifunction isolation rooms that can be used to manage mental health patients.

Mr Hatzistergos said the comprehensive redevelopment of the Mental Health Unit was a commitment by the NSW Government to mental health care across the state and to meet the North Coast's high demand for acute mental health care beds.

"The purpose-built unit will offer a total of 40 adult mental health beds, an increase of 15 from the present number, and a new 8-bed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"It will also provide an improved environment for counselling Community Mental Health clients," he said.

"The unit will be closely integrated with the adjacent Lismore Base Hospital, the area's major referral hospital, allowing better access to high-level clinical services.

"Preparation work is well advanced with the acquisition of neighbouring properties and the planned sale, for relocation, of houses owned by North Coast Area Health Service and the demolition of others.

"An architect has been appointed for the project and tenders will be called in February 2006 with construction due to commence in May 2006. The Unit is scheduled to be completed by September 2007.

"The NSW Government places a high priority on the provision of acute mental health services and this is a very significant development for the local community.

"The extra beds will not only increase the unit's capacity but allow scope for rehabilitation and home preparation before patients are discharged.

"The unit marks the start of the first stage in the extensive redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital, and I am delighted that it is going according to plan," Mr Hatzistergos said.

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