Work is progressing on the Victorian Government’s redevelopment of the Thomas Embling Hospital in Fairfield – with major structural works on the $515.7 million project now complete.
With more than 600,000 hours worked on stages one and two of the expansion, this milestone paves the way for internal fit-out works to commence.
“This massive expansion project will change the way forensic mental health services are delivered in Victoria – with greater capacity to get consumers the urgent treatment they need, in a safe and recovery-focused environment,” said Minister for Mental Health, Ingrid Stitt.
Once completed, the expansion will provide an additional 82 secure mental health beds, including a 34-bed women’s precinct and a 48-bed medium security men’s facility, as well as clinical administration facilities, a new entry complex and more car parking.
This expansion is set to reduce wait times for mental health assessment and treatment and ensure that Victorians most at risk can access mental health services in a secure, contemporary and recovery-focused environment.
“We have put co-design at the heart of this expansion, with the first-hand experiences of Victorians, carers, and clinicians shaping the planning and design of the project,” said Minister for Health Infrastructure, Mary-Anne Thomas.
The project delivers on a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to have co-design at the heart of all new mental health infrastructure, incorporating the knowledge of Victorians with lived experience of mental health concerns, carers, families and clinicians to help shape the planning and design.
The project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Forensicare, John Holland, and Guymer Bailey architects, with the expansion works due for completion in 2025.