$79 million approved for construction of new mental health facilities at Hillmorton

“Mental health has been a priority for this Government since day one. Part of that is ensuring that we have quality facilities that reflect modern methods of care. We want to create physical environments that support people’s treatment and recovery,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health Minister David Clark have announced additional funding for the construction of new specialist mental health facilities at Canterbury DHB’s Hillmorton campus.

The Government has approved $79 million for the project, which will see mental health services currently housed at The Princess Margaret Hospital relocated to Hillmorton. These include services for mothers and babies, as well as child, adolescent and family inpatient services and adults with high and complex needs.

“Mental health has been a priority for this Government since day one. Part of that is ensuring that we have quality facilities that reflect modern methods of care. We want to create physical environments that support people’s treatment and recovery,” Jacinda Ardern said.

“In our first Budget, we set aside $750 million for capital projects (the largest capital injection in Health in at least a decade) including upgrading mental health facilities in the interests of both staff and patients.

“This development will create a modern, flexible environment for mothers and their families, children and adolescents. It will include access to the outdoors and green spaces and will be a massive improvement on the current facilities at the ageing Princess Margaret site,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Health Minister David Clark said today’s announcement is a further sign of the Government’s commitment to tackling problems in the mental health sector.

“There’s no question that as a country we can do better to support mental health and wellbeing in our communities. The need has been particularly evident in Canterbury as people live day-to-day with the legacy of earthquakes.

“The current mental health facilities at Princess Margaret are tired and far from ideal. Relocating these family mental health services to new, purpose-built buildings will make a real difference to patients and the dedicated staff that care for them.

“Of course buildings and specialist services are only part of the picture when it comes to addressing mental health and wellbeing. As the Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction made clear we need to put people at the centre of our mental health response, intervene early and support wellbeing in our communities at every level.

“That is the approach that will drive the Government’s response to the Inquiry to be announced next month. In the meantime, I’m pleased we are getting on with the job of improving mental health facilities and services,” said David Clark.