The way we provide mental health care services and infrastructure in NSW has changed.

Standalone inpatient mental health services no longer align with contemporary best practice.

A link bridge connection to Westmead Hospital will provide better integration between the new mental health facility and other clinical services and facilities including the emergency department and main entry.

The new Integrated Mental Health Complex will support contemporary best-practice models of care, allowing patients to be treated in a therapeutic environment that supports person-centred, safe and dignified, recovery-focused care.

Early works are now underway to prepare the site for the start of main works in 2025. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

As part of the project, existing mental health inpatient and outpatient services at Cumberland Hospital west campus will be relocated to the new Integrated Mental Health Complex to create a truly integrated mental health facility at the Westmead Health Precinct.

Cumberland Hospital will continue to provide care to consumers and support staff, carers and visitors until the new complex is built and fully operational.

A new link bridge over Redbank Road will connect two levels of the Integrated Mental Health Complex to Westmead Hospital (Block K).

Depending on the inpatient unit, visiting families will be able to use the courtyards or quiet lounges within the unit.

Each inpatient unit will also have a family interview room so that families and visitors do not have to enter the clinical and consumer areas if they do not wish to.

A variety of staff and visitor parking options will be available across the Westmead campus. For the current parking map, please visit Getting to Westmead Hospital - WSLHD

The new building will include convenient drop-off and pick-up areas as well.

More information will be provided before the new building opens.

Visitors will be encouraged to use public transport options where possible, including the new Parramatta Light Rail. The light rail that will link the Westmead Health Precinct to the Parramatta CBD.

The Integrated Mental Health Complex will contribute to the implementation of the Westmead Active Travel Plan, by providing a shared pedestrian and bicycle pathway along the site frontage, bicycle parking facilities close to the building and showers and lockers in close proximity to staff workstations.

A dedicated landscaped staff terrace will provide spaces for group meetings, social activities and respite.

In addition, a large green space to the north of the complex will be created with barbeque facilities, outdoor seating and spaces for exercise, sport and other programmed activities.

The positioning of the building, consumer bedrooms and courtyards have been designed thoughtfully and in consultation with consumers to maximise access to natural light and views over green spaces to Toongabbie Creek.

A variety of indoor spaces will also support group activities, exercise, relaxation and dining.

Connecting with Country is a framework for ensuring that all NSW built environment projects will be developed with a Country-centred approach guided by Aboriginal people, who know that if we care for Country, Country will care for us.

Applying ‘Connecting with Country’ principles and working with local Aboriginal knowledge holders has been integral to the design of the new complex.

We have consulted extensively with our Aboriginal Elders, community members and staff to ensure that the new facility is culturally safe and welcoming for everyone.

Planning and designing the new building has been a collaborative process involving consumers, their families, carers, staff and the community.

During project construction we are continuing to work with staff, carers, consumers, their families and the community.

The safety of the child care centre children, parents, carers and staff is very important to us, and we will do our best to reduce any impact on these services.

Parking for the child care centres will not be affected. You will still be able to park to drop off and pick up your child.

There may be some short-term changes from time to time, but any changes to drop-off or parking will be communicated well in advance, and access will be maintained at all times.

For more information, download the Child Care Centre Fact Sheet in our documents list, and if you have any questions, please speak to a member of your child care team. You can also email us directly at HI-Westmead@health.nsw.gov.au

Important Update Feb 2024: Mulch used on our site has been tested and certified by our environmental consultant.

About our project

The Integrated Mental Health Complex building will be located close to the new Block K (new main building) at Westmead, with a link bridge connection over Redbank Road to the main entry, adult emergency, and psychiatric emergency care.

Our top priority is the safety of our patients, families, visitors, staff, students, researchers and construction workers.

Westmead is one of Australia’s busiest health precincts, and the important work across healthcare, research and education must be maintained during all construction works.

Management and governance
The new Integrated Mental Health Complex is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western Sydney Local Health District.

Like all major construction projects, the Integrated Mental Health Complex project needs to comply with strict environmental and planning controls.

A site-specific Environmental Control Plan will be in place and will be continually updated as works progress, which includes seeking approval from the appropriate authority.

The works will be in accordance with the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Management and compliance documentation for the Integrated Mental Health Complex project can be found at: Integrated Mental Health Complex Westmead - Health Infrastructure NSW

Dust Management
Reducing dust caused by construction is a key focus at Westmead. A broad range of dust mitigation measures will be implemented on site, depending on the nature of the work that is being carried out.
These include:
• Changing the activities that take place during high winds and poor weather conditions
• The use of covers on material stockpiles
• Application of ‘dust block’ which seals dirt to ensure it doesn’t become airborne
• The use of road sweepers along surrounding roads to collect dust and dirt
• The use of hand-held water sprays and construction vehicle water carts
• Dust monitors for daily air monitoring and real time tracking during construction.

Infection Control

Infection prevention is a key priority in Australian hospitals.

Each contractor working at Westmead is obligated to manage infection control risks as part of their contract deliverables and their processes are subject to ongoing checks and audits.

Noise and Vibration
The construction site for the new Integrated Mental Health Complex project is close to Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Noise and vibration will be closely monitored during high impact construction works. The Construction Noise and Vibration Management Sub-Plan sets out the management strategy for Integrated Mental Health Complex project.

This is guided by the NSW Government’s Interim Construction Noise Guideline. Noise and vibration monitors will be located in surrounding buildings and connected to a network which provides real-time alarms and monitoring.

When set levels are exceeded, the construction management team and appropriate healthcare or research managers are notified, and action is taken.

Asbestos management
Asbestos is a group of natural-occurring minerals. They were used as a reliable and durable construction material up until the 1980s.

Asbestos materials possess strong fibres and are fire resistant, which is why they were used in building materials.

Asbestos is found in many houses and buildings built before the 1990s, including in roofing, guttering, vinyl flooring, wall sheeting and many other products.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about asbestos.

When does asbestos pose a risk?

Asbestos fibres can pose a risk to health if they become airborne, as inhalation is the main way that asbestos enters the body.

Small quantities of asbestos fibres are always present in the air. Most people are exposed to very small amounts of asbestos as they go about their daily lives and do not develop asbestos-related health problems.
Finding that your home or workplace has asbestos does not mean your health is at risk.

People who have suffered health effects from exposure to asbestos have generally worked in either the asbestos mining or milling industry, worked in industries involved in making or installing asbestos products, or are from the immediate families of these people.

In all of these situations there was exposure to high levels of airborne dust, from either the processes involved or from the clothes of the workers. This was before disposable protective clothing requirements and other measures were introduced.

How is asbestos managed at Westmead?

Material containing asbestos is present on the Westmead site, and there is a comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan in place for all facilities here.

Health Infrastructure has undertaken various Environmental Site Assessments and a site-wide Asbestos Quantification Assessment for the Integrated Mental Health Complex project. In addition to this, the Asbestos Management Plan for the Integrated Mental Health Complex project documents the procedures and controls required to be implemented if asbestos remediation works are needed due to construction.

Once the project is completed, Western Sydney Local Health District will assume responsibility as part of its long-term environmental management plan. The comprehensive management approach follows the Australian legislative and best practice model.

Is it safe to walk near asbestos works?

Yes, it’s safe to walk past the site. Any work which involves asbestos removal or management is carried out within exclusion zones. These exclusion zones are always behind the main construction site fence line which separates the site from pedestrians.
With these stringent controls and air monitoring in place, risk is mitigated for people walking past.

Are the construction workers safe?

The specialist workers within asbestos management exclusion zones are professionals who are certified in asbestos management planning, identification, remediation, and disposal. Long-term exposure is a risk for these workers so personal protective equipment is an important additional protection for them.

If asbestos removal or remediation is needed, they will be wearing protective clothing, such as respirators, fully disposable coveralls, gloves, and footwear which are a regulatory requirement and keep them safe as they have direct contact with the soil.

All works are undertaken by professional remediation specialists, overseen by the contractor’s hygienist, the project’s remediation consultant, and the relevant government authority.

Asbestos waste removed from the site is transported to a licenced facility and is disposed of in accordance with strict environmental guidelines. Once the project is established, Safework NSW is notified about the removal and management of any hazardous material including asbestos. For more information about asbestos visit Asbestos in NSW | Asbestos

Do you have a question about the project? You can email us any time at HI-Westmead@health.nsw.gov.au