New state-of-the-art mental health facility at Northern Hospital

Construction is complete on a new cutting-edge acute mental health facility at Northern Hospital located in Epping, this facility is designed to offer a secure, therapeutic, and hospitable atmosphere for individuals seeking mental health services.

The completion represents a significant milestone in the delivery of quality mental health services in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The facility responds to the critical demand for immediate and accessible acute care for Victorians with mental health concerns, with the potential to provide care to 655 more people each year. With the multi-million-dollar project funded by the Mental Health Beds Expansion Program, the facility is designed to be a safe and welcoming environment that prioritises the comfort and well-being of patients, which represents an important step forward in addressing the critical demand for mental health services in Victoria.

The facility includes:

•  30 single person bedrooms with ensuites
• a sensory room
• de-escalation rooms
• internal courtyards and enclosed garden areas
• multi-functional rooms
• spiritual rooms
• staff and family lounges
• treatment rooms.

LCI played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the facility through their fire safety engineering expertise. The project involved developing a comprehensive fire safety strategy that took into account various requirements: the overall facility, building regulations, fire risk management requirements of the Department, operational needs of the mental health facility (including security), and the expectations of relevant authorities like the fire brigade. Each of these aspects presented unique challenges, but LCI seamlessly navigated them throughout the design process and construction implementation, ultimately delivering a successful project.

We thank our collaborators NTC Architects, NH Architects and VBHA.

Photo Credit: Dianna Snape

Architects: NH Architecture