Health Minister Simeon Brown. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER
Construction has begun on a new $88 million mental health unit in Lower Hutt, which the government says will improve mental health outcomes for New Zealanders.
The Sir Mark Dunajtschik Mental Health Centre will provide 34 adult acute inpatient beds - ten more than the existing Te Whare Ahuru.
The government was investing $38 million in the construction of the facility, while $50 million was being donated by Wellington philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschik.
Sir Mark also donated $50 million towards the new Wellington Children's Hospital in 2017.
This morning Health Minister Simeon Brown, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Hutt South MP Chris Bishop all took part in a sod-turning ceremony to celebrate the start of a project.
Doocey said Sir Mark's contribution would leave a legacy of hope and care that would benefit generations to come.
He said the purpose-built centre would help ensure New Zealanders in distress receive timely, appropriate care.
"This project is about more than bricks and mortar. It's about improving lives and delivering the mental health outcomes New Zealanders deserve," he said.
Doocey said people experiencing severe distress deserved care in the right environment, at the right time.
"It's not only better for them, but it also helps take pressure off our busy emergency departments," he said.
"That's why mental health care must be underpinned by high-quality infrastructure that enables clinicians and support staff to deliver the safe, effective, compassionate care Kiwis deserve."
Brown said it was an important milestone for Lower Hutt and the wider region.
He said the new facility would be purpose-built to support modern models of care, which would help to deliver better outcomes for patients and their families.
"It will also enhance the region's mental health infrastructure, offering safer, more therapeutic spaces for those in urgent need."
The current Te Whare Ahuru acute inpatient unit was built in 1995.
In 2021, it came under fire from the Chief Ombudsman for being not fit for purpose.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
