Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman has officially opened the new MHAIS on the Ipswich Hospital campus, last weekend.
The new facility, which opened to patients in November last year, combines state of the art facilities with thoughtful design features to support mental health rehabilitation and recovery.
With capacity for 64 beds – 16 more than the previous facility – the MHAIS will include purpose-built spaces for adult patients, older and vulnerable patients, and patients who require more intensive clinical care.
Consumers and community representatives, including First Nations Elders, were consulted throughout the design and construction phases to ensure the design was culturally and socially inclusive.
Architectural features include natural light, internal green spaces, and a soothing sensory room to encourage wellbeing and recovery.
Ping pong and chess tables, a small gymnasium, gardening, and barbecue facilities will also encourage social connections with staff and visitors.
The new Mental Health Acute Inpatient Service officially marks the end of the $153.8 million Stage 1 Ipswich Hospital Expansion.
Construction on the Stage 2 Hospital Expansion, which will deliver 200 additional beds, will begin this year.
FAST FACTS
The 64-bed facility is located on the Ipswich Hospital campus and includes soothing design elements to better support patient recovery
The completion of the facility marks the end of the Stage 1 Ipswich Hospital Expansion.
Construction on the Stage 2 Hospital Expansion, which will deliver 200 additional beds, will begin this year.
