The University of Canberra Hospital Specialist Centre for Rehabilitation, Recovery and Research has been officially opened in Belconnen.
Performing the ceremony, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris and Minister for Mental Health, Shane Rattenbury welcomed visitors and invited them to tour the Hospital, meet staff, see demonstrations of the facilities and equipment, and enjoy a sausage sizzle and live music.
Ms Fitzharris said the Hospital was the first of its kind in Canberra, delivering specialised care for people recovering from surgery, illness or injury, or experiencing mental illness.
“We know that our public health services need to continue to evolve to meet current and future demands,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Expanding the ACT’s public hospital system to include a new hospital that specialises in rehabilitation and mental health is an important part of this.”
She said it was also a teaching and research hospital, with a dedicated Clinical Education and Research Centre established in partnership with the University of Canberra.
“It will benefit Canberra’s health students and help bolster the skills of Canberra’s future health workforce,” Ms Fitzharris said.
Mr Rattenbury said the Hospital would provide dedicated mental health services to support Canberrans through their recovery.
“The mental health facilities at the University of Canberra Hospital are top-notch and fit-for-purpose,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Personal bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, small group kitchens, and residential-style living areas all contribute to a warm and comfortable environment in the mental health wards.”
Ms Fitzharris said the United Ngunnawal Elders Council had gifted the words Yurwang Mura, meaning “strong pathway”, as a building name for the Hospital, which will take its first patients next month.
