A new $91 million, 50-bed Acute Mental Health Unit is to be built at Ipswich Hospital.
West Moreton Health has appointed project managers Aurecon and architects Hassell to deliver the project which will support 100 jobs during construction.
The site, across from Ipswich Hospital, is bounded by Chelmsford and Kallara avenues and Walker Street.
An enclosed overhead bridge will link the new facility with Ipswich Hospital for the safe movement of patients, staff and equipment.
Seven properties will be demolished and cleared from the site in July following the appointment of the early works contractor.
The main construction will begin early next year and will be completed by late 2022.
West Moreton Health Board Chair Michael Willis said Aurecon and Hassell were appointed after a competitive tender process.
“Aurecon is providing project management and contract management for West Moreton Health as we build a new state-of-the art mental health unit,” Mr Willis said.
Aurecon have extensive experience on complex health projects in Queensland, including construction project management at Longreach Hospital, Gladstone Hospital’s Emergency Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital and the Roma Hospital Redevelopment.
“Aurecon will work to ensure nearby residents experience minimal impact during construction,” Mr Willis said.
“We strive to be good neighbours throughout the build and into the future as hospital services increase to meet population growth.
“We know the construction will cause disruption to neighbours and we will work with residents on any of their concerns.”
West Moreton Health Chief Executive, Dr Kerrie Freeman said patients will have access to internal gardens and courtyards as part of their care.
“Hassell will work with West Moreton Health to design a healing mental health care environment that nurtures wellbeing and mindfulness for our consumers through the use of modern materials, construction methods and engineering design,” she said.
The Queensland Government has committed $146.3 million to the Master Plan to deliver infrastructure that meets the future health needs of the state’s fastest-growing hospital and health region.
Other components include an MRI suite, which was opened at Ipswich Hospital in December 2019, a new $25 million 26-bed ward at Ipswich Hospital and the purchase of nearby Ipswich City Council buildings.
“Overall, these projects mean more people can receive care closer to home,” Dr Freeman said.
To learn more about the Acute Mental Health Unit and Stage 1 of the Master Plan, view the flyer here.
Imagine if that money had been invested directly into people and existing buildings.
This will just be brick and mortar. Happy days for those buiding it. Imagine the short term benefits now had that money been directly invested into the people of Ipswich.
Why are we always building buildings? Let’s build people and value add to individuals, not bricks and cement.