Hospital based care 21 July 2023

New designs released for Thomas Embling Hospital upgrade

New artist impressions for the $515.7 million redevelopment of the Thomas Embling Hospital in Fairfield have been unveiled.

The designs reveal the new entry complex for the mental health facility. These include the lobby, staff lounge, and carer areas.

We're dedicated to building a new system guided by people living with experience of mental health challenges.

That's why a comprehensive co-design and engagement process was undertaken, involving consumers, carers, families, supporters, clinicians and stakeholders.

Thomas Embling Hospital construction underway

Accessible video transcript

Text: Main works are underway for stage one and two of the Thomas Embling hospital expansion, helping to transform Victoria’s forensic mental health system

IMAGES: montage of an aerial view of a construction site

Text: The landmark project includes

IMAGES: an artist’s impression of the exterior of the facility

Text: a medium-security 48-bed men’s facility

IMAGES: an artist’s impression of a bedroom

Text: new entry facilities and onsite carpark

IMAGES: an artist’s impression of an interior room

Text: and clinical administration facilities

IMAGES: an artist’s impression of a meeting room, followed by a reception area

Text: The expansion is in response to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System

IMAGES: montage showing a group of people discussing the floorplans

Text: Co-design with consumers, carers, families, supporters, and staff with lived experience of mental ill-health is at the centre of planning and design

IMAGES: an aerial view of a construction site

Text: It will ensure Victorians with the most significant needs can access mental health services in a secure, contemporary and recovery-focused environment

IMAGE: A screen displays an ‘in partnership with Forensicare’ logo. A sliding transition screen then displays the Victorian Health Building Authority and Victoria State Government logos and the web address vhba.vic.gov.au

End of transcript.

What we're delivering

Stages one and two of the redevelopment will deliver:

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

The redevelopment will:

reduce waiting times for mental health assessment and treatment
support the rehabilitation and recovery of patients in a safe and therapeutic environment
increase access to services for female patients.

The landmark project responds to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. People with lived experience of mental ill-health have helped to shape the planning and design. This puts co-design at the heart of all new mental health infrastructure.

Construction progress

Major construction on stage one and two is now underway. This includes the relocation of utility services and inground earthworks.

Construction of the main buildings is due to be complete in late 2024. Around 750 construction jobs are expected to be created through the project.

The project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Forensicare, with John Holland and Guymer Bailey architects.