New mental health facility on the West Coast

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today officially opened Ngā Moana e Rua, a new acute mental health facility at Te Nīkau Hospital & Health Centre in Greymouth.

“The old unit was more than 40 years old and no longer provided the right environment for people to get well. This new facility marks a fundamental shift in how we support people experiencing mental distress, ensuring that when someone needs inpatient support, they are in a safe, supportive environment designed to help them get well,” Mr Doocey says.

“In 2024, I was in Greymouth to mark the start of construction and said this facility would help ensure people living on the West Coast get the mental health services they deserve. It is fantastic to see that commitment delivered.

“$27 million has been invested in this facility as part of the Mental Health Infrastructure Programme, which includes 18 projects to improve mental health facilities around the country.

“The new facility has seven beds, including six single bedrooms and one flexible bedroom, as well as a low-stimulus room, therapy and treatment spaces, family areas and outdoor courtyards.

“These spaces have been designed to provide a more therapeutic environment for people receiving care, while giving our frontline teams the facilities they need to provide the best possible care.

“West Coast mental health services are among the country’s best-performing regions, exceeding all three mental health targets in the latest quarter.

“This includes 93.6 per cent of people accessing specialist mental health and addiction services within three weeks, 82.7 per cent accessing primary services within one week, and 100 per cent being admitted or discharged from an emergency department within six hours.”

The first patients are expected to move into the new facility from 16 September.

“The facility was developed with input from clinical teams, people with lived experience and the community. It is a good example of what can be achieved when we listen to people with lived experience, staff on the frontline and the community.

“The opening today is part of the Government’s mental health plan to deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.

“We are also continuing to invest in support across the continuum, including better primary mental health support, specialist services and promotion. By investing earlier, we can help prevent more people from reaching the point where they need inpatient care.”