​​​The Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment has reached two significant milestones with the completion of the first stage of the $12 million Emergency Department (ED) upgrade and the building structure complete for the new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit.

The Emergency Department upgrade is being built in three stages, with Stage 1 to provide additional ED spaces, including a new patient isolation room, ambulance arrival zone and storeroom.

The second stage of the upgrade is now underway and includes the reconfiguration of five treatment bays, staff areas and clinical back-of-house areas.

The ED is continuing to operate while work is being carried out, with some services relocated, including a safe assessment room, resuscitation bay and pathology services.

The Emergency Department waiting room remains in the same location and patients and visitors should continue to use the current entry point when presenting to the ED.

At the same time, the new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit under construction on the northwest corner of the Broken Hill Health Service site has also reached a major milestone, with building’s wall and roof framing now installed.

Once complete, the new unit will provide a modern and contemporary therapeutic space with co-designed facilities for people with acute mental health needs, their families, carers and staff. 

With the structural works now complete, the internal fit-out, services installation and exterior works of the building will continue. Works are expected to be completed later this year.

The new unit will accommodate eight beds, which will be used flexibly to care for mental health consumers to provide support for a range of issues including the most vulnerable and those with high needs.

The new unit features all single inpatient rooms with ensuite bathrooms, access to a large internal communal lounge and dining area and an external courtyard, a sensory modulation room, multi-activity space and exercise room.

The new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.

More information about the Emergency Department upgrade can be found at https://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/broken-hill-emergency-department​​

More information about the Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit can be found at
https://www. hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/broken-hill-acute-mental-health-inpatient-unit​

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The ED upgrade will ensure people from Broken Hill and surrounding communities can receive first-class critical care in a modern health facility which will also function much better for staff than the current ED.

“It’s a full internal refurbishment and re-configuration that will provide tailored treatment spaces and improve patient flow to ensure a smooth as possible experience for patients attending the ED.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“It’s great to see progress on the construction of the Broken Hill Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit.

“With the structural elements now complete, staff and local community members can now see the new eight-bed unit start to come to life.

“This modern and therapeutic space will be a vital addition to the mental health services already available in Broken Hill, giving the community confidence that help for those most in need will be close at hand.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“I’m pleased to see the Broken Hill Health Service redevelopment progressing. The first stage of the upgrade to the Emergency Department is complete with additional space in the extension, better storage, and a revamped ambulance arrival zone. Further stages are underway, and these will lead to a more functional clinical workspace for staff and patients in need of emergency care.

“The progress on the new acute mental health unit can only enhance the suite of mental health services that are available to the community and provide an up to date, safe workplace for the Broken Hill Health service staff.

 “I welcome any investment in health services and look forward to visiting these new spaces as they near completion later in the year.”​