Mental Health's first look at new digs at the Mater

21 November 2007

Staff from Hunter New England Mental Health Service will tomorrow (Thursday 22 November) have the opportunity to take a look at the first of the redeveloped buildings that will accommodate their services once they transfer from James Fletcher Hospital to the Mater site in mid-2009.

A special tour, morning tea and tree planting will be held to mark the occasion for Mental Health staff from 9am at the Mater site.

The Mater redevelopment includes new buildings and upgrades to Calvary Mater Newcastle, additional radiotherapy bunkers and a new acute mental health facility.

“This occasion marks the completion of the first building that staff from Mental Health have had major input into the design and development, so it’s exciting to see this first milestone for our service,” Acting Director of Hunter New England Mental Health Service Judy Kennedy said.

“The building will provide accommodation for our finance department, mental health executive and administration staff, as well as pharmacy, library, the Psychiatry Training Program and a range of inpatient staff,” Ms Kennedy said.

A series of user group meetings were held in the first half of 2006 that worked through the schematic design of the building, identifying the location and function of the rooms as well as patient and visitor flows.

“This is an exciting development for staff from Hunter New England Mental Health because we can start to see the progress being made towards our eventual relocation from James Fletcher Hospital in 2009,” Ms Kennedy said.

“Our staff will have the opportunity tomorrow to tour the building and also enjoy a morning tea with the builders (Abigroup), our other service partners and Calvary Mater Newcastle executive.”

Prior to the Mental Health staff relocating in 2009 this area will be temporarily used by Calvary Mater Newcastle staff awaiting completion of their new buildings.

Media opportunity: Mental Health staff will tour the first building to be redeveloped for their service on the Mater site from 9am Thursday 22 November, followed by a tree planting ceremony and morning tea. Media are welcome to attend.  Please notify Shannon Ramadge on the number below.

Contact: Shannon Ramadge

Phone: 4921 4477