Thomas Embling Hospital Bed Expansion Project – Update October 2022

This week marks the next stage in the landmark expansion of Thomas Embling Hospital, Forensicare’s secure forensic mental health service.

On Wednesday, Acting Minister for Mental Health Colin Brooks announced John Holland had been appointed to deliver the $462.5 million project, which will include a new dedicated 34-bed women’s precinct, a 48-bed medium security men’s facility, a new entry complex, onsite carpark and administration facilities.

The project Co-design and Engagement Report was also released this week. This follows a comprehensive co-design and engagement process to ensure people with lived experience of mental ill-health had the opportunity to contribute to the planning and design of the upgraded hospital.

Site preparation works will soon be underway with major construction on track to begin by the end of the year. The project is due for completion by 2024.

The expansion project was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to support the provision of safe and appropriate mental health treatment and care at Thomas Embling Hospital.

The project will be delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Forensicare.

Read the full statement from Acting Minister for Mental Health Colin Brooks here.

More information about the Thomas Embling Hospital Bed Expansion Project can be found on the Victorian Health Building Authority website.