‘It’ll be great’: Anticipation builds for new mental health service in FNQ

Construction delays at the Cairns Mental Health Unit have now extended to 31 months, with the state government blaming a “complex mix of factors”. Find out more here.

The old Cairns Hospital Mental Health unit on Kerwin Street is demolished. A new mental health facility is being built to replace it. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Construction delays at the Cairns Mental Health Unit have now reached a staggering 31 months, with the state government blaming the slow going on a “perfect storm” of factors.

Although mental health professionals have expressed concerns about the significant delays, not-for-profit services in Far North Queensland remain optimistic the upgrades to the Cairns Hospital Mental Health Unit will bring tangible improvements to mental health care in the Far North.

Samantha Santarossa from The Junction Clubhouse said despite a nearly three-year delay in upgrades, the hold up had not impacted the services they offer.

She said it was critical for people who are struggling, to understand there is help available.

“Everyone is very conscious of the fact that it’s taking a lot longer than what they said, but it doesn’t really change anything for us,” Ms Santarossa said.

“We just continue, when it’s open, it’ll be great.”

The Queensland Government and Hutchinsons have begun the construction of the $70 million Cairns Hospital mental health facility. The 53 bed facility has been delayed by 2 years. Picture: Brendan Radke

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the Covid-19 pandemic, unseasonal rain, ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent 1-in-100-year flooding event of December 2023 were the main factors impacting the completion of the new $70m mental health facility.

“I can assure the community that we remain focused on delivering this new facility with the completion of construction now forecast before the end of the year, weather permitting,” she said.

The new three-storey unit had been designed with a focus on maximising rehabilitation therapy, replacing “ageing infrastructure”, and will consist of 53 beds, five more than the previous unit.

The upgrades include a 10-bed intensive care unit for patients with acute mental illness.

Mock designs for the new rooms released by the hospital show ‘comfortable’ layouts that resemble the feel of a bedroom. Picture: Supplied.

In recent years, Queensland has seen significantly fewer inpatient suicides than NSW and Victoria. Pictured - Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman. Photo: Supplied.

Ms Santarossa said the “new environment” being designed for the facility would create a “far more positive atmosphere” for everyone.

The Parramatta Park non-profit connects three times a week with the Cairns Mental Health Unit to work with patients who are in their care.

“If someone is staying longer with the Cairns Mental Health Unit and they’re able to have day release, we will go and pick them up and they spend the day with us, have a meal with us and then go back,” The Junction Clubhouse CEO Suzie Pont said.

Clubhouse CEO Suzie said the non profit provides a variety of services to the community within a safe, welcoming environment. Picture: Supplied.

The clubhouse offers a range of services to the community through a safe, welcoming, and “non-clinical” space.

“Individuals with lived experience of mental illness can come, feel a sense of belonging, and work towards recovery,” Ms Pont said.

Membership is free and voluntary, allowing people to access services at the clubhouse as often and whenever they need.

The Junction Clubhouse provides daily scheduled activities to members participate in, either by leading or joining programs, including art programs. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Fentiman said additional support for Cairns was happening with the construction of a new 10-bed rehabilitation facility for youth in the region, aimed at providing a safe recovery space for young Queenslanders.

Additionally, the investment of more than $27m has been allocated to redevelop the Cairns Integrated Mental Health Service on Sheridan St, consolidating services in one location to better support community mental health needs.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service confirmed the construction for the $70m mental health facility is on track to open to patients and staff in early 2025.

If you would like to contact The Junction Clubhouse for support and information on their services, they can be reached at [phone].

Originally published as ‘It’ll be great’: Anticipation builds for new mental health service in FNQ