Designs released and builder appointed for Thomas Embling Hospital upgrade

John Holland has been appointed to deliver the landmark project.

The expansion will include:

• a new dedicated 34-bed women’s precinct
• a 48-bed medium security men’s facility
• a new entry complex
• onsite carpark
• clinical administration facilities.

We’ve released a co-design and engagement report, which showcases how co-design with people with lived experience of mental ill-health is at the heart of the expansion.

The project team undertook a comprehensive co-design and engagement process. This ensured people with lived experience of mental ill-health, staff and key stakeholders could help shape the planning and design of the upgraded hospital and ensure their design needs are met.

The report fulfills a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

The co-design and engagement process was led by Forensicare, in partnership with the Victorian Health Building Authority. The process is detailed in the co-design and engagement report.
 

Read report

The upgrade and expansion of the Thomas Embling Hospital will:

• reduce wait times for mental health assessment and treatment
• support the rehabilitation and recovery of patients in a safe and therapeutic environment
• reduce incidents of mental health deterioration and self-harm
• increase access to services for female patients.

Site preparation works are expected to kick off in the coming weeks. Major construction is on-track to begin by the end of 2022.

Learn more about the Thomas Embling Hospital expansion via our dedicated project page.