The NSW Government is investing in a new purpose-built, modern mental health facility that will enhance contemporary models of care in Western Sydney, one of the state’s fastest-growing communities.

The new $460 million Integrated Mental Health Complex will be located within the Westmead Health Precinct and replace existing mental health facilities at the Cumberland Hospital, providing better integration with other mental health and clinical services already located at the precinct.

Designs for the ten-storey building, which is shaped like a ‘helping hand’, showcase the modern facilities that will provide treatment and care in a calm, peaceful and therapeutic environment to support their journey to recovery. 

Following extensive planning and engagement with hospital staff, clinicians and consumers, the new complex has been designed to maximise views to green space and Toongabbie Creek, while also providing connection to the recently constructed Central Acute Services Building at Westmead Hospital.

The new Integrated Mental Health Complex will be built to accommodate a modern mental healthcare service, including:

• acute mental health beds – beds for youth, adolescent, adults, older persons, and people living with eating disorders;
• mental health intensive care and high-dependency units;
• mental health assessment area;
• sub and non-acute mental health beds;
• multidisciplinary ambulatory and outpatient services; and
• education facilities.

Following further consultation and detailed design development, the plans will be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment later this year, as part of a State Significant Development Application.

The project complements the $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Programme and Western Sydney’s investment in new and upgraded mental health facilities, including the recently completed Blacktown Hospital Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit and Westmead Mother and Baby Unit that is expected to be operational from early next year.

Mental health inpatient services currently provided at the Cumberland Hospital west campus will continue until the new complex is operational.