St John of God Richmond Hospital site to be redeveloped, increasing capacity

Currently undergoing planning approval, the design will increase capacity to 112 single rooms, with comprehensive treatment facilities such as a wellness centre to support holistic person-centred care, a SJOG media release said.

They said the design would build upon a vision shaped by consumers, carers and clinicians.

It would take advantage of the "healing environment" of the semi-rural site, combining it with "the very best of contemporary practice to deliver what will be a truly person-centred service", the media release said..

St John of God Richmond and Burwood hospitals Chief Executive Officer, Colman O'Driscoll, said plans had been underway for some time.

"St John of God Richmond Hospital has a 70-year history of serving the community in North Richmond and providing high quality mental health care for people across NSW and Australia," he said.

"The redevelopment of the Richmond Hospital campus is about delivering contemporary mental health care that builds connection, improves lives and transforms the way care is provided.

"The events of the past year or so, really highlight the need for more accessible and responsive mental health services across our communities. This plan will allow us to better meet those needs by providing care that is truly person centred."

He said the design recognised the importance of Belmont House, which is significant to the history of St John of God and "a treasured part of the local community and our organisation".

"The redevelopment will restore the prominence of this building on the site so that it will continue to live on for future generations to enjoy," Mr O'Driscoll said.

The design needs to pass planning approval, and St John of God hopes to be able to open it up for tender later in the year and commence works early 2022, with an expected completion date some time in 2023.

A community forum will be held onsite on Wednesday, April 21 at 6pm, at 177 Grose Vale Road, North Richmond. Registration is essential online at bit.ly/3wcB78w