- Cook Labor Government delivering on election commitment for Mental Health Emergency Centre in Rockingham
- Facility includes eight bed Mental Health Emergency Centre and two bed Behaviour Assessment Unit to support people with acute mental health conditions
- Forms part of Cook Labor Government's record $5.5 billion health infrastructure investment
The Cook Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment, with a construction tender now open to deliver expanded mental health services at Rockingham General Hospital.
The new facility will feature a Mental Health Emergency Centre and a Behavioural Assessment Unit, providing dedicated, purpose-built spaces to support patients presenting with acute mental health conditions.
The Mental Health Emergency Centre will be a short-stay inpatient unit, with periods of care of up to 72 hours.
The Behavioural Assessment Unit will include two dedicated patient bays with access to specialised staff, supporting early intervention and de-escalation.
The facility has been designed in consultation with key stakeholders and consumers, with both services expected to improve patient flow and ensure people receive specialist, timely mental health care, in an appropriate setting.
Importantly, the project will provide a significant boost in capacity for mental health services across the southern suburbs.
The tender closes on 28 May 2026, with construction expected to commence this year.
As stated by Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey:
"This tender represents an important investment in modern health infrastructure to meet demand for mental health services in the Rockingham region.
"It is backed by our record $5.5 billion investment in health infrastructure, which also supports other mental health initiatives like the Graylands Campus Project and the Step Up/Step Down mental health facility in Karratha, and others being delivered in South Hedland, Broome and the Perth metropolitan area.
"The new Rockingham facility has been carefully planned to improve patient flow, enhance safety for patients and staff, and support more effective care delivery within the hospital precinct.
"These works will strengthen Rockingham General Hospital's capability to respond to complex mental health presentations now and into the future."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"This new Emergency Mental Health Centre at Rockingham General Hospital will provide people experiencing acute mental health concerns with timely access to specialist care in a dedicated, therapeutic setting.
"By creating purpose-built spaces designed specifically for mental health assessment and short-stay care, we can support better outcomes for patients while easing pressure on the emergency department.
"This project is about ensuring people receive the care they need, when they need it."
Comments attributed to Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby:
"It's great to see important progress on a key local election commitment to deliver an increase in health services to our local community.
"I know our community will welcome the convenience of these important services being made available locally."
As stated by Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall:
"I know how important Rockingham General Hospital is to our local community, and this project will make a real difference to the lives of people seeking urgent mental health care.
"This new Mental Health Emergency Centre will ensure individuals in crisis receive safe, timely, and specialised care when it is needed most.
"I'm proud to see this commitment advancing, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on individuals, families, and frontline staff across our region."
