- Construction of 40 new mental health beds begins at Fremantle Hospital
- Redevelopment includes purpose-built wards and 24-hour urgent care service
- $63 million investment into additional mental health services in Fremantle
Construction has started on 40 additional mental health beds at Fremantle Hospital, to expand treatment and support options for patients in the southern corridor.
Fremantle Hospital’s V block is undergoing extensive works, which will result in:
- 20 secure beds;
- 10 beds for open adults;
- 10-bed neurological behaviour unit for older adults;
- 24-hour mental health urgent care service; and
- A new neurostimulation unit.
The Cook Government’s $63 million redevelopment will increase the number of inpatient mental health beds at Fremantle Hospital by more than 60 per cent from 64 to 104.
This important project will also see the introduction of a 24-hour mental health urgent care service an expansion on the existing triage service which is open from 8am to 10pm.
The 24-hour service will help take pressure off Fiona Stanley Hospital’s busy emergency department, while ensuring acute mental health patients receive dedicated crisis care.
The purpose-built building will feature wards comprising single, swipe-controlled bedrooms with ensuites and TVs, treatment rooms, sensory modulation rooms, and separate dining and lounge room spaces.
Design of the redeveloped building will be consistent with contemporary mental health principles, such as the use of natural light, landscaped outdoor courtyards and balcony spaces.
The model of care adopted will promote and encourage staff and patient interaction, with collaboration hubs available throughout the wards.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“Our Government is dedicated to improving access to healthcare across our State to ensure top quality services are available no matter where you live.
“WA’s southern corridor is growing rapidly and it is vital healthcare services are expanded to match this demand, which is why we are investing $63 million to significantly upgrade Fremantle Hospital.
“An extra 40 beds will increase inpatient mental health services at Fremantle Hospital by more than 60 per cent, which will be hugely beneficial to the community.”
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“The Cook Government is working to give Western Australians better access to all kinds of mental health supports, whether that be in a hospital setting or in the community.
“The new beds and improved mental health services at Fremantle Hospital are being designed using contemporary therapeutic principles, such as the use of natural light, landscaped outdoor courtyards and balcony spaces to create a better experience for patients and staff.
“Importantly, this project will also see the introduction of a 24-hour mental health urgent care service to help ease pressure on Fiona Stanley Hospital’s busy emergency department, while ensuring acute mental health patients receive dedicated crisis care.”
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
“This $63 million, 40-bed redevelopment will be a huge boost for our southern corridor, delivering important extra capacity for mental health inpatients and a 24-hour mental health urgent care service.
“It’s fantastic to see construction begin on this important project.
“Alongside our $8.5 million dedicated neuro rehabilitation ward, we are investing in Fremantle Hospital to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our community now and into the future.”
