Flexible patient care zones and a north facing courtyard feature in the design for the Port Macquarie Base Hospital mental health unit expansion.
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A schematic design has been developed in consultation with staff, clinicians and consumers.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams unveiled the schematic design on February 13 in a milestone for the extension project.
The $15.9 million state government project will double the number of dedicated mental health beds at the hospital.
The upgraded facility will extend beyond the existing unit.
The design includes patient care zones including provision for a zone catering to adolescents.
There will be flexibility to adjust the unit according to the patient mix.
The innovative design meets mental health facility guidelines.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said from a clinical perspective, there were different areas for consumers from adolescents through to older people.
“That’s important, because we know that particularly for adolescents, previously they have had to travel north to Lismore or south to Newcastle,” she said.
The expanded unit will provide 24 mental health beds.
A north facing secure courtyard will funnel natural light into the unit.
The unit will be broken into patient care zones.
There will be four dedicated staff stations.
The unit will also include secure patient rooms, courtyards, multi-functional activity room, TV/music room and lounge and dining areas.
The existing area will be gutted to make way for interview rooms, waiting rooms, reception area, amenities and office space.
Mrs Williams said she had been advocating for the new unit in Port Macquarie for many years and to see the design plans was very exciting.
The detailed design is the next stage before going out to tender for the construction.
The construction tender should be awarded in August to be followed by an 18-month build.
The completion target is March 2019.