COVID-19 has been blamed for an outdoor upgrade on Albury's mental health unit being yet to begin.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Albury Wodonga Health's executive director of mental health Lucie Shanahan said on Monday the planned modernising had been affected by the need for coronavirus measures.
"As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic several projects, including the Nolan House garden redevelopment, were temporarily placed on hold in order to fast track completion of COVID-19 related infrastructure projects such as the construction of testing clinics and Infection isolation rooms," Dr Shanahan said.
"The AWH project management office has recently recruited additional project managers so that projects delayed due to COVID-19 can recommence."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Dr Shanahan said consultants to assist with the work at Nolan House were expected to be appointed in the next month and a further $40,000 through public funding would be added to the $75,000 from the City2City kitty.
"Final plans for the design will be constructed based on input from AWH mental health staff, Friends of Nolan House, and local consumers, to ensure the garden is a safe, tranquil and therapeutic space for patients and their families," she said.
A timeframe for when work will commence on-site was not able to be provided, however it is understood it will need to be factored in around other work at Nolan House to avoid excessive disruption to patients.
Friends of Nolan House president Les Schmutter told The Border Mail at the weekend he was keen to have improvements at the clinic, given it could be up to three years before a replacement for Nolan House opens.