A twelve-bed neuropsychiatry unit at Morisset Hospital will close next week, marking the end of a 24-year service that has treated some of the state’s most vulnerable patients. According to internal documents obtained by the Newcastle Herald, the Kaoriki Unit will cease admitting patients from Thursday, with final discharges expected in the coming weeks. This unit has provided critical care for individuals with acquired brain injuries and severe conditions such as autism and Huntington’s disease.
The closure has been described as “very sad” by an insider familiar with the facility, who emphasized its unique role. “It was the only neuropsychiatry inpatient unit in New South Wales, certainly in the public system,” the individual stated. Since its inception in 2001, the unit has been known for its compassionate, person-centered approach. “We cared for and treated some of the most vulnerable patients in the state,” the insider added.
Internal communications from Hunter New England Health acknowledged the “outstanding contributions” of the Kaoriki team and the compassionate care they have provided. However, a senior health official noted that the closure was “approaching inevitability” due to the planned disposal of the Morisset site, sparking speculation about future developments for the 1,244-hectare lakeside property.
Plans for the site remain unclear, but an insider hinted at future developments, stating, “Hello Trinity Point 2.0 at Morisset Hospital in five to ten years.” Any potential rezoning of the hospital property could take years and face various heritage and conservation challenges. Currently, a new Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre is set to be developed on seven hectares of the hospital’s grounds.
The state government has characterized Morisset Hospital as “an old facility that is no longer able to support modern mental health services.” Compounding these issues, a neuropsychiatrist left the Kaoriki Unit in January following a dispute related to the administrative decisions of the Minns government. The insider refuted claims that the psychiatrist’s resignation was the sole reason for the unit’s closure, asserting that the decision reflects a broader shift in the model of care.
“There has been a systematic move from public, equitable healthcare to a private, user-pays system where the government does not have to be accountable,” the insider argued. According to internal documents, the Morisset service will transition to providing inpatient services through enhanced consultation and liaison with other units within the health district. The documents assured that “there are no job losses due to these changes.”
Looking ahead, a senior health official indicated that the future of neuropsychiatry services would include an inpatient unit located near other essential services such as neurology and rehabilitation. The insider lamented the loss of the Kaoriki Unit, emphasizing its spacious design and artistic decor, which included prints from renowned artists like Picasso, van Gogh, and Matisse. The unit’s gardens, meticulously maintained by nursing staff, have long served as a tranquil retreat for patients.
The closure of twelve mental health beds has raised concerns within the community, with the insider noting that many local families have relied on the Kaoriki Unit for care. “There would be many community members who had family treated in this unit. I guarantee they will be saddened by this,” the insider remarked.
Morisset Hospital also houses the Kestrel Unit, a 30-bed medium-security service, which is slated to relocate to a new mental health centre at the Maitland Hospital campus in 2027. The planned facility will include 24 low-secure beds, 20 medium-secure beds, and 20 high-support beds. Community objections to this relocation have emerged, with concerns about moving forensic patients from a long-established facility.
The government has stated that planning documents for the Maitland project were publicly exhibited earlier this year to gather community feedback. “Construction timeframes will be shared once a builder is appointed and the construction program is confirmed,” the government noted.
As the situation unfolds, Hunter New England Health has been contacted for further comment regarding the closure and future plans for mental health services in the region.
