News

Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) is proud to mark the completion of a major infrastructure upgrade to the Kerferd Intensive Care Unit (ICA) at Northeast Health Wangaratta. This milestone marks a significant step in creating safer, more dignified, and recovery-oriented environments for adults receiving acute mental health care.

This infrastructure investment was made possible by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) through the Mental Health Drug & Alcohol Renewal Fund and Project ICA and has been delivered in partnership with VHBA, Keyystone Building Group and Albury Wodonga Health.

The upgraded ICA has been purpose-built to support trauma-informed and gender-sensitive care, with features designed to enhance privacy, safety, and therapeutic engagement. These include:

• Private bedroom ensuites for dignity and security
• Consumer-controlled swipe card access to bedrooms, promoting autonomy
• Redesigned seclusion spaces for safer, more therapeutic management
• Dedicated family meeting room to strengthen engagement
• Expanded therapeutic areas supporting recovery-focused practice

The project responds directly to Recommendation 13(2) of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which calls for improved gender-based safety and consumer autonomy in inpatient care settings.

The completion of the ICA upgrades was celebrated with representatives from the Department of Health, including Pam Anders, Deputy Secretary Mental Health and Wellbeing, members of the executive teams of AWH, Northeast Health Wangaratta and Gateway Health, project partners, clinical staff members and communitive representatives. Attendees were given guided tours of the redeveloped ICA, allowing guests to experience firsthand the features designed to support safety, dignity and recovery.

The upgraded ICA will become fully operational on 15 September 2025, with clinical teams ready to support consumers in a space that reflects the evolving standards of contemporary, consumer-centred mental health care.

Quotes attributable to:

Alana Jacob, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Allied Health & Mental Health and Chief Allied Health Officer, AWH

“This upgrade represents a strategic investment in the future of mental health care. It reflects our commitment to embedding trauma-informed design into our infrastructure and ensuring our environment supports the recovery, dignity, and safety of every person in our care. We are deeply grateful to VHBA for their support in turning this project into a reality.”

Matthew Grace, Director of Nursing, Mental Health & Wellbeing, AWH.

“The inclusion of private ensuites and consumer-controlled access reflects our commitment to listening to consumer feedback and implementing best practice standards. It represents a significant step forward in delivering care that is safe, gender-sensitive, and recovery-focused.”

“By creating a more respectful and private environment, we are reinforcing our dedication to person-centred care and ensuring that individuals feel valued, safe, and supported throughout their recovery journey.”

Jessica Johnson, Nurse Unit Manager, Kerferd Unit

“As we prepare for the ICA to become operational, our focus has been on equipping staff to use these new features in a way that enhances therapeutic relationships with our consumers,”

“This space has been designed with purpose, and we’re proud to be part of a service that puts consumer experience at the centre.”