CHIEF Minister Katy Gallagher says Canberra’s new Adult Mental Health Unit, that opened today,  has set a new benchmark in  mental health care.

“Today’s official opening represents a significant enhancement in the range of mental health services available to our community, with a holistic model of care for mental health patients which is setting a new benchmark for care, leading the nation in every way,” the Chief Minister said.

The 40-bed unit, replaces the 30-bed Psychiatric Services Unit at The Canberra Hospital. The design has allowed for the possible expansion to 50 beds.

It includes a 10-bed high dependency wing; 30 low dependency beds; a central socialisation, living and dining space; a therapies wing; and support areas for treatment, assessment, staff, visitors and reception.

“This new facility is state-of-the-art and will be a therapeutic place for healing for some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens,” the Chief Minister said.

“It has been designed following broad consultation, and extensive input from consumer, carer groups and staff, on a new model of care which will see staff more actively engaged with consumers.”

The Chief Minister said the unit’s design has already attracted the attention of designers and architects from Western Australia, and NSW Health will visit next week to learn from the models of care that will be implemented in the unit.

The first patients will be relocated to the unit on Monday.