Words from Russell – Successful move into the Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre

Today marks a significant milestone for Western Health and our community with the successful move into the Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre (SMHWC). 

Consumers from SAAPU have now moved into the Intensive Care and General Care Areas of Unit 2 and Unit 3 at SMHWC.  

Admissions to Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre have commenced and the Sunshine Adult Acute Psychiatric Unit (SAAPU) is now temporarily closed. 

The expansion of mental health beds at Sunshine Hospital has been years in the making and is the culmination of an enormous effort from many people across Western Health, including our colleagues who have joined us from NorthWestern Mental Health (Royal Melbourne Hospital).   

Operationally SMHWC is managed by our Mental Health and Wellbeing Division, with day-to-day operations overseen by Carol Erichsen, Program Manager for Unit 2 (Ground Floor) and Daniel Darmanin, Program Manager for Unit 3 (Level 1).   

You can find a virtual video tour on Westerly, as well as new ward names and contact details.  

Thank you to everyone across our service for your part in delivering this important development of mental health and wellbeing services at Sunshine Hospital. I look forward to seeing the impact this service will make in the delivery of Best Care to our growing region.