First Sod for Major Redevelopment At Specialist Mental Health Hospital

The first sod for a major redevelopment at the specialist mental health hospital, St John of God Richmond Hospital was turned on Thursday, August 4, ahead of the facility’s Veterans’ Day commemoration.

Chair of Trauma at St John of God Health Care, Professor Zac Steel said the site of the facility has local significance, being the site of the Battle of Richmond Hill, between the first nations people and settlers. “The kind of history, of extraordinary tragedy has now become a healing place for them,” Professor Steel said.

“Some of these people, quite literally, are battle-scarred from their work.

“There’s a real story that the land has that we can pattern a place of healing on.”

The $65 million redevelopment will deliver contemporary mental health care that builds connection, improves lives and transforms the way care is provided, particularly for first responders and veterans.

Professor Steel said the redevelopment would deliver contemporary mental health care that builds connection, improves lives and transforms the way care is provided, particularly for veterans and first responders.

“One of the huge challenges faced by all the systems we’ve built for veterans and first responders are failing to prevent some of the devastating issues such as suicide rates,” Professor Steel said.

“Our incredible service people are disconnectedf rom the Service itself, but also from their community and family and they end up on a downward spiral.”

Professor Steel said that there were plenty of services out there, but they were fragmented; all doing the best they can in their own little patch, but remaining disconnected.

“We’re trying to create a transitional trauma system that can help people tie all the pieces together.”

The facility will include 112 private rooms and a wellness centre with a gym and indoor pool, with the historic 130-year-old Belmont House remaining a prominent and treasured feature of the new design.

Minister for Transport and Veterans, David Elliott was delighted to join Sir Peter Cosgrove at the sod turning marking the start of the delivery of much-needed services for veterans.

“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has shown Australia has work to do on the repatriation of those who served our nation,” Mr Elliott said.

“A nation has no higher moral obligation than to look after its veterans.

“Our diggers deserve the greatest respect and the best possible care for both their physical and mental wellbeing.”

James McMahon AM DSC DSM, former SAS commander and St John of God Health The expanded hospital campus will integrate a planned National Centre for Psychological Trauma and Translational Research, which will act as a vehicle for change in addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions.

It forms the first step of a major project with a vision to build a mental health system, translational research and satellite sites in a number of jurisdictions, orientated around the needs of those who need care.

St John of God Richmond Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Colman O’Driscoll said it was most appropriate the sod turning coincided with the hospital’s Veteran’s Day occasion.

“We are working towards transforming mental health care, which affects 20 per cent of former or serving members of the defence force, and 15 per cent of first responders.

“On admission, 70 per cent of military veterans and 85 per cent of first responders are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” he said.

“The new campus will provide a place of sanctuary and healing where veterans, first responders and other clients can reconnect with their families, friends and communities so they can realise their full potential and live their best life.

“It will be a platform from which we can transform the entire experience of mental health care for everyone who comes here.”

St John of God Health Care is working towards establishing a number of satellite centres with access to trauma recovery programs, telehealth facilities, accommodation and gymnasiums that would support first responders’ and veterans’ mental health needs.

Care and treatment will continue throughout the redevelopment phase, with works expected to be completed late in 2023.

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