- Thomas Embling Hospital set for expansion
- The design process is now underway
- Works are expected to begin mid-2022
Guymer Bailey Architects and Aecom (Engineering) have been appointed to design the upgrade for Thomas Embling Hospital, a high-security facility specialised in forensic mental health.
Designs for the project are now underway.
The $349.6 million hospital expansion will implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, delivered in February this year.
One recommendation from the Royal Commission is for the expansion to be codesigned. This means there will be participation from patients, consumers, carers, clinicians and researchers in the design process. This is hoped to result in the most informed and best possible facilities.
The expansion will supply much-needed beds to help address the critical bed shortages at the current hospital facility as demand grows for mental health beds in the justice system.
The project will deliver 82 additional mental health beds along with clinical administration facilities and extra car parking.
“This landmark project will change the way forensic mental health services are delivered in Victoria – with more in-demand capacity to make sure Victorian forensic patients get the treatment they need immediately,” the Minister for Mental Health said.
”In response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission, we’re ensuring that Victorians most at risk can access mental health services in a secure and recovery-focused environment.”
James Merlino, Minister for Mental Health
The project is hoped to reduce the waiting period for mental health assessment and subsequent treatment, along with other welcome improvements to Victoria’s mental health system.
Construction is set to commence mid next year, with completion expected in 2024.
