Designs for the largest mental health facility in NSW have officially been revealed.
The NSW Government has unveiled the first look at the new $460 million Integrated Mental Health Complex in the Westmead Health Precinct. The purpose-built, modern facility in western Sydney will look to provide world-class mental health care to the state’s fastest growing community.
The complex will be built to accommodate a modern mental health care service, including acute mental health beds for youth, adolescent, adults, older persons and people living with eating disorders and education facilities.
It will also provide mental health intensive care and high dependency units, a mental health assessment area, sub and non-acute mental health beds, as well as multidisciplinary ambulatory and outpatient services.
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) 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 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,” he said.
“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, WSLHD said the new complex is 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,” WSLHD Executive Director of Mental Health Professor Vlasios Brakoulis 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.”
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.
Mental health inpatient services currently provided at Cumberland Hospital west campus will continue until the new complex is operational.
The new mental health facility is expected to be completed by 2026.
To find out more about the community information sessions and provide feedback visit wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/mental-health-services/mental-health-services
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.