Work is progressing to deliver priority projects under the North West Hospitals Masterplan for the North West Regional and Mersey Community Hospitals.
In an important milestone, a Development Application (DA) for the new mental health precinct at the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH) in Burnie, has been submitted to Burnie City Council.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, welcomed the milestone and said the new purpose-built facility will help to enhance the mental health services delivered in the North West.
"Delivering the new North West Mental Health Precinct is part of our plan to build a contemporary mental health system that ensures Tasmanians have access to high-quality mental health care close to home," Minister Archer said.
"The Precinct will include a 22-bed inpatient unit to replace the ageing Spencer Clinic, offering a modern, recovery-focused, and therapeutic environment for people experiencing mental illness.
"We have worked closely with clinicians, stakeholders and the community to shape the Precinct's design.
"Updated concept designs have been recently released, which incorporate a range of adjustments that balance stakeholder feedback to deliver the best possible outcomes for staff, patients and visitors.
"Importantly, the development is also a key component of Stage 1 of the North West Hospitals Masterplan – our 20-year vision to transform healthcare in the North West and meet the future needs of the community.
"This Liberal Government is delivering for Tasmania, and we are working together to move our State forward."
Once the necessary approvals are in place, construction of the new Mental Health Precinct is expected to start in late 2026 and be completed by 2028.
Planning is also progressing well for the remaining projects included in Stage 1 of the Masterplan for the NWRH in Burnie and the Mersey Community Hospital (MCH) in Latrobe.
At the NWRH this includes the new medical inpatient unit, and the link bridge that will unlock the southern side of Hospital Street. Works to the main entry, a new transit lounge, and car parking improvements will also be delivered in Stage 1.
At the MCH, Stage 1 will deliver a new sub-acute building that will house expanded services including palliative care, a new geriatric evaluation and management ward, and medical oncology.
Also included in Stage 1 are works to the Emergency Department and ambulance bay at the NWRH, which are now in the design phase.
Stage 1 of the Masterplan at the MCH builds on the substantial works already delivered, such as the major redevelopment of Outpatients Clinics and Operating Theatres, which was completed and opened earlier this year.
