MHSKY Child Youth Mental Health Facility, Footscray, VIC

MHSKY (Mental Health Services for Kids and Youth) was a unique project in that it involved the collaboration of a number of Health Services – Western Health and Women’s & Children’s Health (specifically, Royal Children’s Hospital), Orygen Youth Health and Department of Health to provide a unified, cohesive mental health service to children, youth and their families living in Western Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.

Stage 1 of the project involved the design of a purpose built facility with a 12 bed adolescent wing for children 12-18 and a separate 16 bed unit for youth over 18. The inpatient units were built over an existing car park at Western Hospital. The units were designed with similar wings, housing mainly single beds with single ensuites and a large lounge/dining facility of double height ceilings. The main spine of the facility has high level clear storey windows in varying heights, allowing natural light to penetrate into the building.

The inpatient unit, now known as The Banksia Adolescent Inpatient Unit, accepts clients from 12-18 years of age and is managed by the Royal Children’s Hospital. Orygen Youth Health Clinical Program accesses the inpatient unit at Western Hospital site for young people with complex mental health issues.

Stage 2 of the MHSKY redevelopment involved the design and construction of the outpatient building. The model of care was to provide facilities to make young people feel as comfortable as possible. The building was designed with consulting rooms, gymnasium and activity areas for outpatients to use as therapy areas. The building was designed in the same manner as the inpatient building, with an interior that uses vibrant colour.

STATUS:
Stage 1 Completed 2004
Stage 2 Completed 2005

CLIENT:
Western Health
Department of Health, Victoria

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