The New South Wales Government has given planning approval for the construction on the new 50-bed mental health unit as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the wagga Wagga Base Hospital Redevelopment.

 

State Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, said the new unit will considerably improve the region’s capacity to deal with community needs.

 

“The number of mental health beds will total 50, after an increase of 30 overall and will include a 20-bed sub-acute unit,” Mrs Skinner said.

 

“The unit will provide a modern environment for the care and treatment of 50 residential patients,” she said.

 

The Member for Wagga Wagga, Daryl Maguire, said the new facility will include a direct link into the new acute hospital and is expected to be operational by 2013.

 

“The new mental health unit is the first phase of the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital redevelopment, which will be built in progressive phases to allow the hospital to continue operation during construction,” Mr Maguire said.

 

“Phase 2, which includes new facilities for emergency services, operating theatre and inpatient unit, will start immediately after the occupation of the mental health building,” he said.

 

The project is jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.