​Tamworth will get a new purpose built Banksia Mental Health Facility following a strong push from the Tamworth Mental Health Carers support group and the Tamworth community.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor was in Tamworth today to deliver the welcome news and said the NSW Government will invest in a complete rebuild of the Banksia facility to better care for the acute mental health needs of Tamworth and the surrounding communities.

“A new Banksia Mental Health unit is a great outcome because it will boost access to acute mental health care when locals most need it, and assist our dedicated mental health workforce,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The new Banksia unit is expected to provide additional beds which means inpatient mental health support can be provided to approximately 30% more patients each year.”

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the Tamworth Mental Health Carers support network were the key drivers of a 13,080 signature petition that was tabled in the NSW Parliament in 2018. This group will also play a key role in the co-design and layout of the new integrated, high quality Banksia unit at Tamworth Hospital.

“Family members, carers and staff will also collaborate on the design to make sure we create an environment that gives patients the best chance of managing their recovery into the future, with planning to begin as soon as a site is confirmed later this year,” Mr Anderson said.

“This is wonderful news for the New England North West as the demand for mental health services grows. The new unit will be constructed as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million State-wide Mental Health Infrastructure Program,” Mr Anderson concluded.