BY JARROD MELMETH
Designs for the new Nexus Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at the John Hunter Hospital have been unveiled.
The new facility, which will have the capacity to care for 12-people, has been designed co-designed with young people who have experience in adolescent mental health, their families, clinicians and staff.
The upgrades include a dedicated courtyard, carer accommodation, family zones, recreation areas and rooms which feature more natural light.
Hunter New England Health Chief Executive Michael Di Rienzo says the proposed layout provides an environment that balances the needs for privacy, activity and creativity.
“This co-design approach enables us to provide a modern, therapeutic environment for young people admitted to the state-wide inpatient service.
“Working with teens and children with lived experience provides the opportunity to build a contemporary unit that best meets their needs," Mr Di Rienzo said.
The Newcastle facility is one of nine state-wide acute youth mental health services and supports young people from the Hunter New England region.
Hunter New England Health says work on the new unit is expected to begin in 2025 following the commissioning of the Acute Services Building, which is set to be delivered as part of the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct.
