By Charlene Macaulay
A new 54-bed inpatient mental health unit at Werribee Mercy Hospital has been officially opened.
The stand-alone Clare Moore building houses two inpatient wards, including a women’s only ward with 15 beds, and individual patient rooms for privacy.
It replaces the former mental health unit, which held 25 inpatient beds, and is available to adults with mental health concerns in Wyndham, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
Mercy Health group chief executive Stephen Cornelissen said the new unit was designed to promote recovery and remove the feeling of being institutionalised.
“Clients and carers have told us the Clare Moore building feels warm and peaceful,” Adjunct Professor Cornelissen said.
“Individual rooms are spacious and sensitively designed, and areas within the building have been named to destigmatise mental health and promote recovery.
The building was named after Sister Mary Clare Moore, a friend and confidante of Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley. She also worked alongside Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas, who attended the launch, said the new building would provide locals with the mental health services they deserve.
