Forensicare – Jardine Unit Upgrade
The Jardine Unit Upgrade involved the refurbishment and improvement of the existing Jardine Unit at Thomas Embling Hospital, modernising an outdated environment to better support the needs of consumers and staff. The works included replacement of external decking, removal of domestic gas hot water units and installation of energy-efficient heat pumps, switchboard and underground service upgrades, and new stormwater and sewer infrastructure. Hazardous materials, including small quantities of asbestos beneath the existing decking, were also safely removed, alongside upgrades to surrounding building elements. As the works were undertaken within a live operational environment, construction was staged across defined work zones to maintain safety and minimise disruption to ongoing hospital operations. Client Forensicare Location 201 Yarra Bend Road, Fairfield VIC 3078 Value <$1M Year Completed 2025 LocationFairfield, Victoria Community impact The Jardine Unit Upgrade created a safer, more functional, and energy-efficient environment for consumers and staff at Thomas Embling Hospital. The improved infrastructure and facilities supported better day-to-day operations while enhancing the quality and long-term performance of the unit. Other projects in this sector
Forensicare Canning DDA Unit
The Canning DDA Upgrades project for Forensicare delivered a series of accessibility-focused improvements within a live, secure mental health facility, aimed at enhancing patient care, safety, and functionality for individuals with disability and bariatric requirements. The works included the staged installation of anti-ligature hoists and rail systems within patient bedrooms, together with extensions to existing units and associated facility upgrades. Delivered within an operational forensic mental health environment, the project required careful planning, staging, and stakeholder coordination to ensure continuity of services while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. Particular attention was given during the design phase to anti-ligature requirements and clinical compliance, ensuring all elements aligned with the specialised needs of the facility. The project ultimately delivered the hospital’s first bariatric-ready facilities, improving accessibility, patient dignity, and staff support in the delivery of care. Client Forensicare Location 201 Yarra Bend Road, Fairfield VIC 3078 Value 3.5M Year Completed 2023 LocationFairfield, Victoria Community impact The upgrades have strengthened the facility’s ability to provide equitable and inclusive care for patients with diverse physical needs, ensuring greater accessibility within a secure mental health setting. By improving patient mobility, comfort, and independence while reducing manual handling risks for staff, the project has contributed to safer clinical outcomes and enhanced quality of care. The introduction of bariatric-ready facilities also supports the long-term capability of the hospital to meet evolving community health needs and deliver more responsive, patient-centred mental health services. Other projects in this sector
Thomas Embling Priority Works
The Thomas Embling Hospital Priority Works project delivered targeted upgrades to improve safety, functionality, and patient care within a live clinical environment, incorporating fit-for-purpose design with anti-ligature considerations. The works included the refurbishment of 30 patient ensuites, along with upgrades to nurse stations and lounge areas, supported by building extension works and bariatric improvements. A detailed staging strategy was implemented to maintain hospital operations throughout construction, alongside superintendency services, commissioning, and the handover of staged works. Client Forensicare Location 201 Yarra Bend Road, Fairfield VIC 3078 Value $6M Year Completed 2021 LocationFairfield, Victoria Community impact There works were very important to improve the quality of life for patients and staff within the hospital. These areas had not been refurbished for over 20 years due to the difficulty in closing down mental health beds. We were able to provide a much-needed uplift to the hospital. This includes bariatric bedrooms which were a first of its kind in the hospital. Other projects in this sector
Thomas Embling Hospital Stage 2 – Capital Works Upgrade
The Thomas Embling Hospital Stage 2 construction involved a comprehensive series of construction activities aimed at enhancing the operational functionality and safety of this specialized forensic mental health facility. Delivered between 2021 and 2023 with a budget of $11.5 million, the works were carefully split into Enabling Works and Priority Works to ensure minimal disruption to hospital operations. The Enabling Works comprised essential civil upgrades to the hospital grounds, improving infrastructure and supporting future development needs. The Priority Works focused on critical upgrades within the live facility, including the refurbishment of multiple hospital wards to improve patient care environments. Key security and communication systems were also modernized, enhancing safety and operational efficiency for patients and staff. The project was delivered with high sensitivity to the hospital’s secure setting and complex client needs. Enhanced wards and upgraded systems contribute to better health outcomes, support staff wellbeing, and reinforce the hospital’s role as a critical mental health resource within Victoria’s justice and health systems. These improvements enable more effective rehabilitation and safer care for a vulnerable and often marginalized community. Client Forensicare Location 201 Yarra Bend Road, Fairfield VIC 3078 Value $11.5M Year Completed 2023 LocationFairfield, Victoria Community impactThe upgrades at Thomas Embling Hospital have significantly improved the safety, security, and therapeutic environment for patients receiving forensic mental health care Other projects in this sector