This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
NORTHWEST, through its New Zealand-listed Vital Healthcare Property Trust has completed a $20 million expansion to Perth’s Abbotsford Private Hospital, more than doubling the hospital’s mental health inpatient capacity as it deals with the growing demand for mental health care.
Operated by Aurora Healthcare Australia, the five-storey extension adds 47 new inpatient beds, group therapy rooms, administration facilities and additional car parking.
This development takes the total number of mental health beds at Abbotsford Private to 77, more than doubling its current capacity, and increases Northwest’s Australian portfolio to over 1,000 hospital beds, following the expansion of Belmont Private Hospital earlier this year. The remainder of new beds at Abbotsford Private are expected to open in September.
Aurora is the nation’s largest speciality private mental health provider with 1,000 mental health beds and 500 rehabilitation/medical beds across 16 hospitals.
Northwest Executive Director of Development, Chris Adams said the expansion was driven by the need to address the significant growing demand for mental health treatment in Perth, with the demand for the hospital’s services having previously exceeded its capacity.
“We have a strong commitment to increasing Australians’ access to mental health care services and are pleased to announce the completion of this significant development at Abbotsford Private alongside our partner, Aurora. In the first half of 2023, we are proud to have undertaken both the Abbotsford and Belmont Private Hospitals expansions as a significant advancement in the treatment of mental health in Australia, consistent with our long-term commitment to facilitate the necessary expansion of critical healthcare infrastructure across the nation.
“The provision of high-quality treatment facilities for mental health patients is increasingly critical. Abbotsford Private has experienced significant demand for the critical mental health services it provides, and Northwest is pleased to continue working with Aurora to help meet this demand by more than doubling the capacity of this important facility and creating new opportunities for sub-speciality services including the introduction of an adolescent day program.” Adams said.
Aurora CEO Julia Strickland-Bellamy said this expansion will significantly boost health services, allowing more patients to benefit from access to life changing treatments and services.
“The Perth community deserves world-class mental health care, and the completion of the Abbotsford Private expansion enhances our ability to provide leading mental health treatment and support closer to home.”
“At Abbotsford Private Hospital we provide effective treatment in a safe, supportive environment. The extension of our facility has been designed to deliver care in the least restrictive manner, allowing patients to feel relaxed and comfortable in an environment that fosters recovery. It is a magnificent environment that achieves a feeling of peace and comfort and sets the standard for private mental health hospitals going forward.” Strickland-Bellamy concluded.
