Construction tenders are now open for a $90 million mental health precinct opposite the Launceston General Hospital.
The Northern Mental Health Precinct at 52 Frankland Street will replace the existing Northside Unit with a 30-bed inpatient facility designed to feel more like home than a hospital for mental health patients.
Jarrod Bannon, group director of Adult Mental Health Services North/North West said it was a much-needed infrastructure project for northern Tasmania.
“It is very much a facility that has been designed in collaboration with a number of key stakeholders, but importantly our lived experience representatives which will ensure that this is truly a consumer-focused and contemporary home-like environment,” he said.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the project represents the government’s commitment to building a world-class mental health system.
“The Northern Mental Health Precinct will deliver for Tasmania by providing a contemporary, home-like environment for immediate support, brief interventions, education and assistance in navigating services,” Archer said.
The facility will include a recovery college and safe haven alongside the inpatient unit.
Car parking for staff and patients will connect to Launceston General Hospital via a pedestrian bridge.
“The precinct puts people at the centre, ensuring it improves mental health outcomes by enabling timely access to care, reducing avoidable Emergency Department presentations,” Archer said.
The project forms part of stage two of the broader Launceston General Hospital masterplan.
Site preparation began last August with demolition of the Viewpoint buildings and The City of Launceston received the development application in November.
Construction is expected to begin this year, subject to approvals and contractor appointment.
