Ipswich Hospital’s new Mental Health Acute Inpatient Service (MHAIS) has officially opened, providing the local community with a world-class mental health rehabilitation and recovery facility.

Purpose-built and with a focus on recovery and social connection, the $104.6 million state-of-the-art facility includes spaces for adult patients, older and vulnerable patients, and patients requiring more intensive clinical care.

Among the features are internal green spaces, natural light and a sensory room to encourage wellbeing and recovery, as well as ping pong and chess tables, a gymnasium, and gardening and barbecue facilities.

Consumers and community representatives, including First Nations Elders, were consulted throughout the design and construction phases to ensure the new facility’s design was culturally and socially inclusive.

Located on the Ipswich Hospital campus, the opening of MHAIS officially marks the end of the $153.8 million Stage 1 Ipswich Hospital Expansion.

Construction on the Stage 2 Hospital Expansion, which will deliver 200 additional beds, will begin this year.