First look at Westmead Health Precinct’s $460 million integrated mental health complex

Designs for the State’s largest mental health facility have today been unveiled providing the first look at the new $460 million Integrated Mental Health Complex at the Westmead Health Precinct.

The NSW Government is investing in a new purpose-built, modern facility in Western Sydney which will provide world-class mental health care to the state’s fastest growing community.

The new mental health facility will enhance contemporary models of care and is expected to be completed by 2026.

Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Graeme Loy said “The new Integrated Mental Health Complex will deliver the State’s biggest transformation of mental health services and will ensure our diverse communities have access to world-class mental health care”.

“The complex at the Westmead Health Precinct will replace existing mental health facilities at the Cumberland Hospital and provide better integration with other mental health and clinical services already located at Westmead.

“Designs for the 10-storey building, shaped like a ‘helping hand’, showcase the modern facilities patients and their families will benefit from, providing treatment and care within a calm, peaceful and therapeutic environment that supports their journey to recovery.”

Following extensive planning and engagement with hospital staff, clinicians and consumers, the new complex has been designed to maximise views to green space and Toongabbie Creek, while also providing connection to the recently constructed Central Acute Services Building at Westmead Hospital.

There will be an abundance of natural light, beautifully designed indoor and outdoor areas, sensory and activity spaces and artwork throughout the new complex designed to create a welcoming and supportive environment,” Western Sydney Local Health District’s Executive Director of Mental Health, Professor Vlasios Brakoulias said.

“Staff and people with lived experience of mental ill-health have been involved in every step of the planning and design, and their involvement will continue to ensure we deliver the best possible outcome for consumers, staff and the Western Sydney community.”

The new Integrated Mental Health Complex will be built to accommodate a modern mental health care service, including:

• Acute mental health beds including beds for youth, adolescent, adults, older persons and people living with eating disorders
• Mental health intensive care and high dependency units
• A mental health assessment area
• Sub and non-acute mental health beds
• Multidisciplinary ambulatory and outpatient services
• Education facilities

Designs will be showcased at a series of information sessions where hospital staff, consumers and the community will be able to view the plans and provide feedback.

Following further consultation and detailed design development, the plans will be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in late 2022, as part of a State Significant Development Application (SSDA).

Ms Rebecca Wark, Chief Executive Health Infrastructure was pleased to see co-design is an integral part of planning for the facility.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the community as we progress this state-of-the-art mental health unit for the region. We know how much that good design can support better mental health outcomes, physical health and wellbeing,” Ms Wark said.

The project complements the $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program and Western Sydney’s investment in new and upgraded mental health facilities, including the recently completed Blacktown Hospital Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit and Westmead Mother and Baby Unit that is expected to be operational from early 2023.

Mental health inpatient services currently provided at Cumberland Hospital west campus will continue until the new complex is operational.

To find out more about the community information sessions and provide feedback visit: www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/integrated-mental-health-complex-westmead.