Plans for new mental health unit advancing

WEST Moreton Health has appointed project managers Aurecon and architects Hassell to deliver a new 50-bed acute mental health unit, to be built at Ipswich Hospital.

Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard said $91 million in funding for the new unit was part of the State Government’s $146.3 million commitment for the masterplanned Ipswich Health Precinct.

“Every Queenslander, no matter where they live, deserves access to the best healthcare, including mental health care, which is what this project will deliver,” Ms Howard said.

The unit is a key element of the precinct under West Moreton Health’s 15-year master plan.

The build of the new facility will free up the current mental health site at the hospital and create more room for future expansion.

The current acute mental health unit, which was built in the 1990s, will be demolished.

The site, across from Ipswich Hospital, is bounded by Chelmsford and Kallara avenues and Walker Street.

An enclosed overhead bridge will link the new facility with Ipswich Hospital.