NSW latest $460 million overhaul of mental health care in Western Sydney

Western Sydney will soon be home to NSW’s largest mental health service, thanks to a $460 million investment by the NSW Government in a brand new modern mental health facility at Westmead Hospital Campus. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor and Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced that the new Integrated Mental Health Complex will provide first-class care to the state’s fastest growing community from 2026.
“More than 1.47 million people are expected to call Western Sydney home by 2031 and this development will ensure our diverse communities have access to world-class mental health care, replacing the outdated mental health facilities at Cumberland Hospital,” Mr Perrottet said.
Mr Ayres said a key component of the investment will be designing and building modern, purpose-built facilities with input from consumers, their families and carers.
“The new Integrated Mental Health Complex will be a truly modern mental health facility co-designed with people who know what is needed to support people’s recovery and good mental health,” Mr Ayres said.  
Mrs Taylor said significant improvements to mental health services are both a national and state priority. 
“This announcement complements the $700 million state-wide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, which is making real change across the state to a range of mental health services, including new inpatient facilities at Tamworth, Blacktown, Royal Prince Alfred, Albury, Nepean, Campbelltown and Long Bay,” Mrs Taylor said.
Mr Hazzard said the investment will also improve service integration with Westmead Hospital to better support residents living with multiple health conditions.
“Many people living with complex mental health conditions are also living with physical health conditions, such as diabetes, and cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Co-location of mental health services with Westmead Hospital will maximise the opportunities for mental health teams to work alongside other health teams to ensure timely assessment and care planning,” Mr Hazzard said.
The $460 million funding will deliver an integrated mental health complex linked to the Central Acute Services Building recently constructed at Westmead. Services in the new integrated mental health complex include:
  • A Mental Health Acute Assessment Unit to enable direct and efficient assessment, referral and intake of patients
  • Acute mental health beds, including beds for youth, adolescent, adult, older persons and for adults living with eating disorders 
  • Sub and non-acute mental health beds
  • Multidisciplinary ambulatory and outpatient services
  • Education facilities.
/Public Release. View in full here.