A world-class, multi-million-dollar mental health unit has opened at Joondalup Health Campus, effectively doubling the capacity for additional mental health services for people living in Perth’s northern suburbs.
The new unit has more four times the floor space of the previous unit and includes 102 individual patient bedrooms located on wards that have been designed to separately accommodate adult, youth (16-24 years) and older patients (65+ years).
This is the first time that the mental health needs of youth and older adults have been specifically catered for at Joondalup.
The mental health unit, which will have a staged opening, includes a psychiatric intensive care unit for those who are acutely unwell.
The unit has its own kitchen, which will serve patients in several shared dining spaces, multiple large and small lounge areas and two gymnasiums, as well as several interior courtyard spaces which allow patients outdoor access and double as venues for recreation and therapy.
The mental health unit is part of a bigger $269.4 million expansion of Joondalup Health Campus, co-funded by the State and Federal Governments.
The Premier Roger Cook said at the opening of the first stage that he was delighted to see the unit come to fruition after years of planning.
“The modern, thoughtfully designed facility will meet the requirements for the safe and secure treatment of people requiring mental health care and deliver patient areas that enhance care and wellbeing,” he said.
“Importantly, it will mean that for the first-time youth and adult mental patients requiring inpatient mental health care in Perth’s northern suburbs can be treated close to home.”
WA’s Minister for Health and Mental Health, Ms Amber-Jade Sanderson noted that the new mental health unit featured a dedicated recovery hub where patients could connect with community groups and peer supports.
“An education room is also available to support youth patients to stay engaged with their schooling, to minimise interruption to their daily life,” she said.
The opening of the new Joondalup unit has been staged to ensure a smooth transition with the adult service coming online first, followed by youth and older adults.