- Cook Labor Government’s record $5.5 billion health infrastructure investment delivering expanded mental health care at Rockingham General Hospital
- Early works underway on an eight-bed mental health emergency centre and two-bed behavioural assessment unit
- Devlyn Australia Pty Ltd awarded contract to deliver purpose-built facilities supporting care closer to home
The Cook Labor Government is expanding mental health services at Rockingham General Hospital, with construction now underway on a new mental health emergency centre (MHEC).
Devlyn Australia Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the eight-bed centre and a two-bed behavioural assessment unit, providing dedicated facilities for people experiencing acute mental health concerns.
The project has reached a significant milestone with early works now underway. The works include underground works to prepare the site for the main building construction.
The MHEC will provide short stays of up to 72 hours, giving patients time to receive a thorough assessment, identify their care needs and connect them with appropriate treatment and support services in the community.
The behavioural assessment unit will provide a dedicated environment which will support assessments, stabilisation and specialised care for people presenting to the emergency department in a dedicated lower stimuli environment.
Developed in consultation with people with lived experiences and clinicians, the new facilities will expand access to specialist mental health care for people across Perth’s southern corridor, closer to their homes, families and support networks.
The project forms part of the government’s record $5.5 billion investment to upgrade and expand health infrastructure across Western Australia, including a $1 million investment in master planning for Rockingham General Hospital to support future growth and long-term service planning for the region.
As stated by Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey:
“Construction is now underway on this important project, delivering purpose-built mental health facilities for Rockingham and surrounding communities.
“Our record $5.5 billion investment in health infrastructure is delivering projects across Western Australia, expanding services and equipping our hospitals to meet growing demand.
“Alongside these new facilities, we’re investing in master planning for Rockingham General Hospital to ensure we plan for the community’s future health needs.”
As stated by Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, they need timely, compassionate care in an environment that supports their recovery.
“These new facilities will give people a dedicated space to receive specialist assessment and support and help them connect with the care they need next.
“This is about providing the right care, closer to home, so people can stay connected to their families and support networks at a difficult time in their lives.”
As stated by Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby:
“For local people and their families, having specialist care available close to home can make a real difference when they need support most.
“Baldivis families rely on Rockingham General Hospital, and it’s fantastic to see construction underway on new facilities that will strengthen mental health care for our growing community.”
As stated by Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall:
“It’s fantastic to see construction underway on new mental health facilities for our growing community.
“This investment will strengthen the services available at Rockingham General Hospital and deliver lasting benefits for our community.”
