Cairns D6 Mental Health fit out was a project that relocated the Psychiatric and Low Dependency Units of the Cairns Mental Health unit to a space shell on Level 6, D Block. As part of the project a study tour to assist the CHHHS is understanding the Model of Service associated with a Mental Health Unit located above a ground floor. The study tour also assisted CHHHS in different options for mental health fixtures and fittings.

The project provided a total of 10 psychiatric beds as well as 12 low dependency beds. The psychiatric unit was located near the only external courtyard to provide some outside space for the users.

The fit out of the future ward space required careful consideration for the additional security, patient and staff safety required as part of a mental health facility compared to a standard ward configuration. Critical to the success of the project was mapping out movements of all hospital processes as well as reviewing spatial arrangements to ensure staff had enough visibility of the unit while still providing separate spaces for the patients.