Canberra Hospital in Australia has introduced two mental health services for young people as part of its new adolescent health wing.

The wing features a 14-bed unit with eight medical beds and six beds specifically for mental health patients.

It is the Australian Capital Territories (ACT) public health system’s first effort to allocate mental health beds to young people.

Canberra Health Services' Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) will operate the six mental health beds, providing care for those requiring treatment for acute mental illness.

The adolescent unit includes a negative pressure room to cut the spread of infectious diseases, as well as a bariatric-rated room to treat obese patients.

It also features a sensory room, interview spaces and recreational areas.

In addition, the Adolescent Day Program has moved permanently to the Centenary Hospital, where it will offer mental health programmes and therapy to young individuals.

Both of the new facilities feature artwork by local artists, including Paul Summerfield, byrd, Julie Bradley and Natalie Bateman.

CAMHS clinical director Ilona DiBella said: “The CAMHS Adolescent Mental Health Unit is a safe place for young people as staff are conscious of and attentive to adolescent’s vulnerabilities.

“Having a dedicated inpatient space for young people from 12 [years] up to their 18th birthday experiencing mental health problems means that young people who require treatment for moderate to severe mental illness can now access this in a purposefully designed setting that considers their developmental, psychological and physical needs.”

Last month, Canberra Hospital filed an application with the Green Building Council of Australia to receive a five-star Green Star rating for its new critical services building.

The building is part of the hospital's expansion project and is Australia’s first all-electric hospital building.

It includes a high-performing façade and energy-efficient heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems.