Plans to build the Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation facility are gathering momentum following the release of its concept design this week.
The NSW Government unveiled artist impression images of the purpose-built premises, which will be located on the Maitland Hospital precinct at Metford.
Due for completion by 2027, it’ll provide a range of rehab and forensic mental health care services.
Residents are now invited to attend two upcoming drop-in sessions to learn more about the project on Tuesday 26 November.
They’ll take place at the Stockland Green Hills shopping centre (10am-2pm) and Maitland Hospital foyer (3pm-4.30pm).
“I’m pleased to see this project is progressing,” Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said.
“So, I encourage the community to attend the drop-in sessions to provide their feedback.
“With features such as single rooms, shared living spaces and therapeutic outdoor areas, it’s designed to foster recovery and wellbeing.”
The design previews a modern facility that has been specifically aimed to support a rehabilitation model of care.
It comprises three inpatient units, including low and medium secure forensic units, and a rehabilitation and recovery unit.
All will provide single bedrooms featuring ensuites and shared kitchen, dining and living areas, as well as contemporary indoor and outdoor therapy spaces.
The project also includes additional parking spaces for the new service to ensure that staff, visitors, consumer transport and emergency service vehicles have easy access.
“The Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation facility has been designed with rehab at its core, providing a welcoming environment that promotes recovery, with the addition of outdoor therapy spaces and walking paths, alongside shared living areas, creating a healing environment for consumers,” Hunter New England Mental Health Services executive director Dr Anand Swamy said.
“Feedback gathered during public consultation sessions earlier this year is also incorporated into the design, ensuring it meets the needs of patients and the wider community.
“We listened to them.
“Now, we’re delivering a facility that is modern, therapeutic and designed to best meet the mental health needs of the consumers of these services.”
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson echoed those sentiments.
“In these designs, we have taken the comments of staff and people with lived experience of mental ill health on board,” she said.
“Their input has helped shape this project into something we can all be proud of.
“It also builds on our commitment to provide world-class mental healthcare to those who need it and to upgrade and reform our mental health infrastructure across the state.
“Once built, the new facility will increase the number of low and medium-secure rehabilitation units available in NSW, helping forensic patients to safely progress through their recovery and rehabilitation.”
For more information about the project and ongoing consultation opportunities, visit www.hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/maitlandmh or contact the project team by emailing HI-MaitlandMH@health.nsw.gov.au
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