Temporary changes to mental health services planned during Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal said the decision was made following comprehensive evaluation of a range of alternative options, including examining suggestions proposed by staff and the community during extensive consultation.

In consultation with the Minister for Health Ryan Park and the Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson, Mr Spittal also confirmed the services offered through the Panorama Clinic will return to Bathurst as part of the redevelopment.

“We are absolutely committed to returning Panorama Clinic to a brand-new, purpose-built facility at Bathurst as planned, and to maintaining the full suite of mental health services currently available during the temporary relocation,” Mr Spittal said.

“We fully understand this decision will cause disruption and inconvenience but we want to keep the redevelopment moving forward without delay for the benefit of everyone in Bathurst and the surrounding communities.”

Mr Spittal said, in direct response to concerns raised by the community during the consultation process, the District is actively working to support the temporary relocation by implementing several enhancements to community mental health and support services.

“We have heard our community and our staff, and their input and feedback has been valuable. By providing certainty around the temporary location, we can now work together to resolve those concerns and make the temporary relocation go as smoothly as possible for everyone,” Mr Spittal said.

“We have already begun that process on several key issues. For example, we will be providing transport where required for staff and consumers and we are currently undertaking work to establish an enhanced liaison service, to improve the connection between hospital services and better support patients, carers and families.

“We look forward to continuing our discussions with both staff and our community as we move forward, to address other practical issues where possible and achieve the best possible outcomes for everyone.”

Mr Spittal said, of all the locations investigated and evaluated, the Wattlegrove Unit at Orange is WNSWLHD’s most viable option as it meets the strict requirements for this type of facility and enables current service levels to be maintained.

“We took on board what the community and staff asked, and examined more than a dozen alternatives, many on the Bathurst Hospital campus and the local community. However, none were achievable without creating significant delay and budget risks for the redevelopment,” Mr Spittal said.

“The redevelopment will deliver high-quality care for the local community and the wider Central West, both now and into the future. Progressing this project is essential to meeting the healthcare needs of the Bathurst community.

“But it’s important to remember the Panorama Clinic is not just a service for Bathurst. More than a third of consumers services come from other towns. The Wattlegrove Unit best balances outcomes for all consumers, staff and the community.

“Mental health emergency and urgent care and treatment will continue to be provided through the emergency department as usual, while community services will stay on the Bathurst campus at a temporary location.

“Referral pathways into Panorama Clinic and other mental health services will also remain the same through the emergency department and primary care providers in the community.”

The temporary relocation of Panorama Clinic services is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2025, following planning approval and the appointment of a main works contractor.