Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network

Finalist: Transforming Patient Experience Award

The Forensic Hospital is NSW’s only high-secure forensic mental health facility and delivers healthcare to some of the most complex mental health patients in the state. Patients here often have severe, long-term mental illnesses along with issues like substance abuse, trauma, and difficult personal circumstances, which increase their risk of harming others.

The Forensic Hospital consistently strives to improve service delivery, culture, and patient and staff safety. Over five years ago, the hospital faced problems such as increased aggression from patients, high staff turnover, and a poor workplace culture. It became clear that both staff and patient needs had to be focused on and that more collaborative leadership was required.

To address these issues, several changes were made to improve safety, recovery, and rehabilitation. These changes have led to a significant drop in the use of restrictive practices, increased participation in therapy, better patient flow, and higher staff retention.

The Forensic Hospital now uses a patient-centred, trauma-informed care model that focuses on positive outcomes, ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and the community.​​