New mental health unit for Middlemore Hospital

Middlemore Hospital. Photo / Doug Sherring

South Auckland is to have a new facility built for patients suffering acute mental illness, at a cost of $53.6 million.

The 76-bed facility at the Middlemore Hospital campus will replace the existing 52-bed psychiatric hospital Tiaho Mai.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced the Government's approval of the Counties Manukau District Health Board project.

"It will be a modern, purpose-built unit which will better support both patients and staff, and allow the provision of up-to-date acute mental health services," Dr Coleman said.

"The increase in the bed capacity will also allow the DHB to better handle a forecast growth in demand for acute services over the next 15 years."

Last month, the Waitemata DHB opened a new, 46-bed acute mental health facility, He Puna Waiora, at its North Shore Hospital campus.

It replaces the Taharoto mental health unit at the campus which dates from the 1950s, was originally used for maternity care and was no longer considered fit for use as a mental health facility.

Dr Coleman said He Puna Waiora features improved safety and security.