News & Events: Media Releases

Joondalup Health Campus opens upgraded Mental Health Unit

22 April 2009

On Wednesday 22 April, 2009 Joondalup Health Campus (JHC) officially opened its expanded $12m mental health facility, kicking off the hospital’s $320m redevelopment.

Prior to expansion, the Mental Health Unit (MHU) had five secure beds and 22 open beds. Now, the unit has double the number of secure beds and 10 extra open beds making up the new 42-bed unit.

The Honourable Helen Morton MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister for Mental Health, opened the new unit.

Mrs Morton said the unit was an integral part of the State Government’s commitment to reform the mental health system and inspire people with a mental illness, their families and carers with the hope of recovery.

“This facility will make it a lot easier for people suffering severe mental illness to be admitted to an inpatient mental health bed,” Mrs Morton said.

“I’m confident the new beds will also ease the burden on emergency services in the northern suburbs, as well as mental health services across the entire health system.”

JHC chief executive officer Kempton Cowan said the new facility, which took 18 months to build, would provide both patients and staff with a more comfortable environment.

“The new unit is the first completed project of the hospital’s redevelopment and we are getting on with the job of delivering better services and facilities for the growing northern suburbs population,” Mr Cowan said.

“Joondalup Health Campus’ team of architects and health planners has worked with evidence-based design practices to construct a unit that will improve the quality of life for patients suffering from mental illness,” he said.

The Mental Health Unit has incorporated an open design with natural light with extensive use of windows; a combination of bright and soothing colours to promote feelings of wellbeing; spacious courtyards and therapy areas; and a family friendly meeting area.

“It is an example of the WA Government delivering on its commitment to provide improved services for people with a mental illness, their families and carers,” Mr Cowan said.

"This excellent facility at JHC is all about providing new hope for a better future and an improved life for people who need more compassion and support."