Northern Health has officially opened Victoria’s largest public women’s mental health inpatient unit, located at Northern Hospital Epping. The new unit, situated in Ward 7, will offer 25 beds dedicated to supporting women aged 18 to 65 who require hospital care due to acute mental health crises or exacerbation of chronic conditions that cannot be managed in the community.
As the first women’s mental health unit in the northern catchment area, this facility marks a significant milestone in mental health services for the region. It will serve individuals residing within the northern catchment or those who present at a health site within the area and require inpatient care.
The Women’s Mental Health Unit is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of 59 professionals, including nursing staff, social workers, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and administrative personnel. The unit is designed to provide comprehensive and compassionate care, addressing the specific needs of women facing mental health challenges.
Ward 7 has undergone a major refurbishment to enhance the environment, ensuring a safer and more therapeutic space for patients. Upgrades include improved lighting, new flooring, ligature-safe doors, and modernised ensuites and toilets. These changes are aimed at fostering recovery-focused care while ensuring a safe environment for women in crisis.
Belinda Scott, Executive Director of Mental Health at Northern Health, described the unit as a significant advancement in providing specialised care for women. “Here at Northern Hospital Epping, we now have 80 Adult Mental Health beds—the largest number of public mental health beds on a single site in Victoria,” said Ms. Scott. “This creates an opportunity to implement specialised care, not just for women, but for all consumers utilizing Northern Health’s mental health services. This unit represents the first step in transforming our approach to care.”
Ms. Scott also emphasized the unit’s commitment to consumer-centred, recovery-oriented care, underpinned by trauma-informed practices and inclusive family approaches. “With a newly refurbished space and a dedicated team, we are ready to provide care that supports recovery and well-being.”
Shaveta Sood, Project Manager of Ward 7, highlighted the unit’s focus on delivering trauma-informed, gender-sensitive care that meets the unique needs of women in crisis. “We look forward to welcoming consumers and offering high-quality, compassionate care in this newly refurbished environment,” Ms. Sood said. “We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life.”
The opening of the Women’s Mental Health Unit at Northern Health marks an important step forward in providing critical, specialized mental health services to women in the northern region of Victoria.
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