Significant progress has been made in delivering the Territory Labor Government’s commitment to increase access to quality health care for all Territorians.
Construction is well underway at the Royal Darwin Hospital’s new Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MHIPU) which will improve acute mental health service capacity in the Top End.
Sitzler is the managing contractor of the build with the design for the Mental Health Inpatient Unit completed by local architects, Ashford Lamaya Architects, and the design for the upgrade to the CSSD completed by Hames Sharley.
Construction on the main building’s pad is at 80% completion, while work on the pier footings and retaining walls for the ground slab is at 75%, it is expected construction of the ground slab and columns will start this month.
The Mental Health Inpatient Unit will consist of three levels containing 18 inpatient beds, support services and a 6 bed Stabilisation Assessment and Referral Area (SARA).
There will also be an elevated, enclosed walkway across Nightingale Road connecting the unit to the emergency department.
SARA will provide short-term care in a therapeutic environment for mental health clients who present to the emergency department and who are identified as benefiting from detailed assessment, management plans and referral to other providers for ongoing mental health care.
The CSSD will be upgraded to meet more stringent requirements for reprocessing of reusable medical devices.
Construction is creating 350 local jobs on site for contractors, apprentices and Aboriginal workers and is on track for completion in 2025.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:
“All Territorians deserve access to quality mental health services, this facility will bolster capacity at Royal Darwin Hospital and provide a more therapeutic environment for mental health patients.
“Our Government’s priority is to ensure mental health care is tailored to the needs of local communities so that no one is left behind in the system.”.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Selena Uibo:
“The Territory Labor Government has done an enormous body of work when it comes to mental health care, more than any other government.
“Involving people with lived experience is crucial to our planning and implementation of facilities like this, so we can ensure everyone has access to appropriate mental health and suicide prevention services across the Territory.
“It is also important that our hard working health professionals are supported in their service delivery by providing modern infrastructure to enhance mental health and wellbeing for Territorians.”
Northern Territory Government
