News

Albury Wodonga Health is committed to delivering the highest quality of care for our community, including those who need acute mental health support.

Funded through the $700 million NSW Government’s Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program (SWMHIP), and as part of the $558 million Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital redevelopment, Nolan House will be replaced with a purpose-built, expanded adult acute mental health inpatient unit on the Albury Hospital Campus.

The new unit will increase capacity from 24 to 32 beds and provide a safe, modern and therapeutic environment. It will be located on Level 6 of the new Clinical Services Building, offering consumers access to four landscaped outdoor areas, two with district views – more than doubling the size of the current Nolan House courtyard.

“This integration reduces stigma. It recognises that mental health care belongs at the centre of hospital services, not on the margins”, said Mr. Bill Appleby, Chief Executive Officer, Albury Wodonga Health.

Dr Gary Flynn, Chief Psychiatrist at Albury Wodonga Health, says the design choices are based on evidence, best practice, and direct feedback from consumers and their families.

“There is no reasonable criticism to be made about an elevated mental health unit. In fact, the light, openness and serenity created by being elevated is wonderfully therapeutic for people in recovery.”

“People recovering from mental health challenges value peace, quiet and tranquillity. An elevated unit provides all of these, with safe outdoor areas that look out across the treetops and the surrounding environment.”

“Being higher in the building provides something that ground-level units often cannot: light, space and a sense of freedom - qualities that are profoundly healing.”

It is not uncommon for contemporary mental health units to be located in multi-storey hospitals. Campbelltown Hospital and the Marie Bashir Centre at Royal Prince Alfred are strong precedents. Dr Flynn was directly involved in the Campbelltown redevelopment and has seen the benefits first-hand.

“At Campbelltown Hospital, the response from consumers and families to mental health units being located on the upper floors of the hospital tower was overwhelmingly positive. They valued the openness, the light, and the elevated views.
“The experience showed that consumers and visitors not only accept these environments, but they also thrive in them. It created a warm, welcoming, safe, dignified environment – exactly what we are building here. It gives me great confidence about pursuing this model of care for Albury Wodonga Health.”

The unit has been co-designed with consumers, carers, families and staff. A dedicated Consumer Working Group continues to guide decisions on the interior, landscaping, furnishings and therapeutic environment. Their feedback has consistently reinforced the value of natural light, openness and connection to nature – all features central to the new facility.

Integration within the hospital is another key advantage.

“Locating the mental health unit within the main clinical services building means our patients will have timely access to emergency care if needed,” Dr Flynn said.

With modern design, expanded capacity, and strong clinical and consumer input, the new facility is a game-changer for mental health care for Border communities across the region.

“The plans for the mental health unit places Albury Wodonga Health at the forefront of contemporary mental health care. It set a standard that people experiencing mental ill health will be cared for in an environment that says: your care matters and your recovery is supported every step of the way”, Mr Appleby said.

“What matters most is creating a space where people can focus on their recovery with confidence and hope. This new unit will give the Border community exactly that”, Dr Flynn concluded.

This investment will ensure that mental health services in Albury Wodonga are modern, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of the community today and into the future.