New RDH mental health ward on track

24 July 2024

Construction of Royal Darwin Hospital’s $57 million new mental health ward is on track, with the foundation works nearing completion.

The Lawler Labor Government is focussed on improving health care for Territorians, including expanding capacity of acute mental health services in the Top End.

The project has made significant progress with the main building’s pad, pier footings, and retaining walls for the ground slab at 90% completion.

The new Mental Health Inpatient Unit will deliver 24 beds for Territorians who need mental health care. The building will consist of three levels, containing 18 mental health inpatient beds, support services and a six bed Stabilisation Assessment and Referral Area which will provide short-term care in a therapeutic environment for mental health clients who present to the emergency department.

There will also be an elevated, enclosed walkway across Nightingale Road connecting the unit to the emergency department, and additional clinical spaces.

Construction is creating 350 local jobs on site for contractors, apprentices and Aboriginal workers and is on track for completion in 2025.

The Mental Health Inpatient Unit is another health infrastructure project being delivered by the Lawler Labor Government, following the delivery of Palmerston Regional Hospital and a free multi-story carpark at RDH in 2018, as well as a 32-bed multipurpose ward that is currently under construction.

Over $107 million worth of infrastructure upgrades are set to take place at Royal Darwin Hospital through Budget 2024, including a $22.6 million to upgrade the forensic mortuary, pathology and bereavement facility.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:

“Territorians deserve the best health care – that is why we are upgrading our infrastructure so Territorians can have access to top quality health care facilities.

“My Government is providing $2.2 billion in health funding in Budget 2024 which will benefit the entire Territory, including a new 120 bed aged care facility in Palmerston, and a new $20 million health centre in Borroloola, along with support for every other region in the Territory.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Selena Uibo:

“The Lawler Labor Government is improving acute care for Territorians who need mental health support.

“This new ward is part of our commitment to improving and expanding acute mental health service capacity in the Top End.

“The SARA support Emergency Department service delivery so Territorians needing mental health care can be assessed and cared in the new ward.”

Northern Territory Government