
Northern Health Mental Health Unit welcomes patients
Today, Wednesday 16 August 2023, we officially welcome patients into the Northern Hospital Mental Health Unit.
With 30 acute inpatient mental health beds and a contemporary and modern design, this building encompasses technologically enhanced sensory rooms and courtyards with in-built exercise equipment.
The patient rooms and communal spaces are light, supportive and flexible so the changing needs of consumers can be accommodated to throughout their stay. Consumers will also have access to a range of shared internal spaces for social, therapeutic and recreational activities.
“Following from the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, Northern Health became a designated mental health service on 1 July 2022. This new facility will allow us to implement a model of care that realises the vision of the Royal Commission,” said Belinda Scott, Executive Director, Mental Health.
“It is fantastic to see the impact the input from our lived-experience consumers has had on the final result – this unit is a functional space for staff to work in and a comfortable environment for patients to recover in.”
In February this year, Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, and Minister for Mental Health, Gabrielle Williams, visited Northern Health to announce the completion of this new building.
Yesterday, 15 August 2023, Northern Health hosted a Mental Health Open Day to celebrate the imminent first intake of patients.
The event included a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, along with speeches from Executives and lived experience consumers and a performance from the Northern Health Community Choir.
“This new facility will allow people in Melbourne’s growing northern suburbs to receive the support they need close to their homes, families and support networks,” said Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, Northern Health.
“I am proud and pleased to see this facility open and filled with staff capable and committed to providing mental health patients with the support they need, close to their homes, families and support networks.”
Featured image: Belinda Scott, Executive Director, Mental Health with Traditional Owner Mandy Nicholson, Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, and Kirra.




