Tuesday 25 January 2022Health news3 minutes to read
West Coast DHB will shortly begin the development design phase of the new Mental Health facility located on the Te Nīkau Hospital & Health Centre campus in Greymouth. Earlier this month, the Minister of Health confirmed that the Government has approved $20m for the new facility.
West Coast DHB Chair Rick Barker says that Minister of Health Andrew Little’s confirmation that the ageing mental health facility will be replaced by a new facility with the allocation of $20 million for the build is good news for the Coast. The current facility has provided good service but is clearly due for replacement.
“The new facility will ensure the Coast has a world class facility, built to today's standards and future proofed to provide those who access services with an appropriate environment to meet their needs with a quality working environment for our staff. The new facility is a commitment that mental health services will remain on the Coast.
When completed, the West Coast will have had a serious upgrade of facilities with Te Nīkau, a new Buller Health facility, a new mental health unit and an upgraded clinic in Haast.
I wish to acknowledge the commitment of all Board members to this project, the good work of the staff in building the business case as well as local MP Damien O’Connor for his advocacy for the project,” Rick Barker says.
Executive Director, Infrastructure for the West Coast and Canterbury DHBs Rob Ojala says the conceptual design layout used to support the business case was developed with input from our Mental Health staff and consumers, architects and project managers. The next steps in the design phase includes re-engaging users and consumers more closely to ensure we have a facility that is adaptable to the consumer journey inclusive of different levels of acuity.
“The new facility will not only enable good workflow and best practice, its new location will ensure that the inpatient service is closer to the other services in the main hospital and integrated family health centre,” Rob Ojala says.
The 6-bedroom facility will be aligned to contemporary best practice and Ministry of Health draft design guidance. Key features will include a glazed central courtyard and whare whakatau to welcome whānau/whaiora into the facility in a culturally appropriate way.
The majority of bedrooms will be on the west side of the building facing the sea, to take advantage of views and sunlight. Small lounges associated with the bedrooms will provide a range of breakout spaces and opportunities for small gatherings or individual reflection. The daily living area (lounge/dining) will open onto the central courtyard. When staff are not out on the floor engaging directly with consumers, they can still see through the courtyard into other areas.
The secure entrance will be located away from the public entrance, at the northern end of the building. The secure entrance will have direct access to the interview/assessment space, which will be linked to the low stimulus area or bedrooms clustered to support people with higher needs.
The inpatient service will acknowledge and enable the dimensions of Māori wellbeing as described in Te Whare Tapa Whā model.
Manaakitanga Inpatient Mental Health Unit will remain fully operational until the new $20M facility is completed.
ENDS
Page last updated: 25 January 2022
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