Statement on the Maitland Mental Health Project and the future of Morisset Hospital
7th October 2023
“The NSW Government yesterday announced plans to expand Mental Health Services at Maitland Hospital and to relocate services and patients from Morisset Hospital to the new Maitland site.
Questions about the future of Morisset Hospital have been increasing for some years in the local community and most will not be surprised about this decision. The new Maitland Mental Health facility will be a modern, purpose-built facility which will better meet the needs of clients and staff.
I welcome the Government’s commitment to consultation with the staff, clients and carers on the planning and design of the new facility and the transition from Morisset to Maitland.
The question many Lake Macquarie residents will be asking today is what will happen to the Morisset Hospital site.
The Government have advised me no decisions on the future of the site have been made at this point.
Morisset Hospital dates back to 1909 and was an important part of the Southlakes and Lake Macquarie’s history. There are many people and families that have significant personal history with the site and I’m certain that they will want to have input into any decisions.
The community needs to have a say on the future of this site. There needs to be extensive community consultation and a heritage review undertaken before any decisions are made.”