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Mental Health and Wellbeing Acute Inpatient Unit Redevelopment

Overview

The Victorian Government is investing $10.9 million to deliver more mental health beds at the Warrnambool Base Hospital.

This redevelopment project will deliver five new acute mental health beds, increasing our capacity from 15 to 20 beds. The Warrnambool Base hospital’s acute mental health inpatient unit will also be refurbished, improving the model of care and creating a dedicated area for vulnerable consumers – including women, older people and people who identify as LGBTI.

Responding to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the project will improve access and recovery outcomes for members of the local south-west community experiencing mental ill-health in a contemporary and therapeutic treatment setting.

Scope

This project will reconfigure and refurbish Warrnambool Base Hospital’s acute mental health inpatient unit, supporting the delivery of an improved model of care.

The project will deliver:

  • five beds, increasing capacity from 15 beds to 20 beds
  • a separate area for vulnerable consumers, including aged persons, women and people who identify as LGBTI
  • separate consulting rooms and staff areas.

Benefits

The Warrnambool Base Hospital mental health beds expansion aims to achieve the following benefits:

  • Additional capacity

    The addition of five beds to Warrnambool Base Hospital’s acute mental and wellbeing health inpatient unit will enable the hospital to treat around 100 more patients every year.

  • Improved health outcomes for the community

    Victoria’s south west region has the highest incidence of patients with a mental health conditions in the state. Better access to mental health services, closer to home will help more people access the care and treatment they need, leading to better health outcomes.

  • Improved staff amenities

    The contemporary space will provide a safe working environment for staff, promoting employee safety and wellbeing.

  • Jobs for Victorians

    The project is expected to create and sustain approximately 30 construction industry jobs.

Partners

In conjunction with the Victorian Health Building Authority, South West Healthcare are working in partnership with:

  • Hames Sharley (architect)

Page last updated: 30 May 2023

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