Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman, has officially opened the new Mental Health Acute Inpatient Service (MHAIS) on the Ipswich Hospital campus.
The Service, which opened to patients in November last year, combines state-of-the-art facilities with thoughtful design features to support mental health rehabilitation and recovery.
With capacity for 64 beds – 16 more than the previous facility – the MHAIS will include purpose-built spaces for adult patients, older and vulnerable patients, and patients who require more intensive clinical care.
“This building represents a step forward for people in Ipswich and the greater West Moreton region who have experience of mental illness in their lives or the life of a loved one,” said Minister Fentiman.
“I am so pleased that patients in the Ipswich community will be able to recover and regain their mental wellbeing in this beautiful, state of the art facility.
“The mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders remains one of my top priorities moving into this year.”
The Minister said consumers and community representatives, including First Nations Elders, were consulted throughout the design and construction phases to ensure the design was culturally and socially inclusive.
Architectural features include natural light, internal green spaces, and a soothing sensory room to encourage wellbeing and recovery.
Ping pong and chess tables, a small gymnasium, gardening, and barbecue facilities will also encourage social connections with staff and visitors.
The new Mental Health Acute Inpatient Service officially marks the end of the $153.8 million Stage 1 Ipswich Hospital Expansion.
Construction on the Stage 2 Hospital Expansion, which will deliver 200 additional beds, will begin this year.
