New Designs Unveiled for Maitland’s State-of-the-Art Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility

12 November 2024

newy.com.au – New designs have been revealed for the upcoming Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation facility, giving the public a glimpse into the future of mental health care on the Maitland Hospital campus in Metford. Expected to be operational by 2027, this purpose-built facility will offer comprehensive rehabilitation and forensic mental health services.

The facility is set to house three distinct inpatient units, including low- and medium-security forensic units and a rehabilitation and recovery-focused unit. Each unit will feature private bedrooms with ensuites, shared kitchen and dining spaces, and a range of indoor and outdoor therapy areas. The design prioritises a model of care centred on rehabilitation, providing a supportive environment for patient recovery.

The project will also add parking spaces to ensure convenient access for staff, visitors, and emergency vehicles. Additionally, once operational, some services from the Morisset Hospital campus will transfer to the new Maitland facility, centralising care within the region.

Shaped by extensive community input, the design has incorporated feedback from staff, patients, and local residents through consultations, including forums like Project User Groups, the Connecting with Country working group, and the Arts in Health program. The result is a modern, therapeutic space designed to meet the needs of patients and the community.

Community members interested in learning more can attend information sessions scheduled for Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at Stockland Green Hills shopping centre and the Maitland Hospital foyer.

Funded under the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, the project is part of a broader commitment to elevate mental health care infrastructure across New South Wales. Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson expressed pride in the project, highlighting how it reflects feedback from both staff and those with lived mental health experiences. Jenny Aitchison, Member for Maitland, echoed this sentiment, encouraging community engagement in the upcoming sessions to stay informed and contribute further feedback.

Dr Anand Swamy, Executive Director of Hunter New England Mental Health Services, stated that the facility’s design aims to create a welcoming, healing environment. With amenities like outdoor therapy spaces and shared living areas, the Maitland facility aspires to be a place of recovery and support tailored to the needs of its consumers.