Over 200 staff members recently toured the upcoming mental health unit, signaling a significant step in improving mental healthcare services in the Fraser Coast area. The new 22-bed facility, the first phase of a $40 million project, promises to enhance mental health services in Hervey Bay.
This marks a historic moment as it will be Hervey Bay's first dedicated mental health inpatient capacity. The unit aims to offer faster access to care, redirecting mental health cases away from the emergency department for a more efficient patient journey.
Situated close to Hervey Bay Hospital's emergency department, the Inpatient Unit (IPU) will serve as a central hub for the Community Acute Care Team, strengthening the network of care for patients.
The project's second stage involves renovating Maryborough Hospital's existing inpatient unit into a specialised 10-bed facility dedicated to elderly mental health care. Residents will move from Maryborough to the new unit in Hervey Bay in mid-January2024.
Staff members have begun settling into the new building, accessed via the Urraween Road entrance to Hervey Bay Hospital, preparing for the transition and the enhanced services it will bring.
This walkthrough signifies not just an exploration of physical spaces but also a collective commitment to improving mental health care. The staff's enthusiasm reflects the positive impact this project is expected to have on mental health services in the Fraser Coast community.