The Minns Labor Government is delivering better mental health facilities for regional New South Wales with a new, state-of-the-art Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit (AMHIPU) officially opening today in Broken Hill.
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.
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.
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:
"I'm so happy to be here today in Broken Hill to officially open the new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit. This will be a real asset for the Far West Community.
"We know our regional communities face extra challenges when it comes to accessing mental health support, often travelling long distances in order to get that specialised care.
"That's why our government is investing in specialist mental health programs like Farmgate, funding disaster recovery clinicians and rural counsellors, and delivering better infrastructure like this new inpatient unit.
"The Far West community now have access to a modern and contemporary therapeutic space with co-designed facilities for people with mental health needs, their families, carers and staff.
Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:
"The opening of the new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit is an important moment for mental health care in Broken Hill.
"There are some specific challenges in providing quality mental health care in remote areas, like the Far West of NSW, including the isolation and long distances people need to travel for treatment. But this modern facility will greatly expand the capacity of the region to treat mental health conditions.
"I welcome any funding for the health care system out west and I look forward to seeing the new facility."
