Patient input on new Nexus Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at John Hunter Hospital

The 12-bed Nexus Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit, which was built in 2003, is being redeveloped to double the size of the existing facility.

Hunter New England Health has unveiled the plans for the space. Construction is slated to begin in 2025 once the hospital's pediatric intensive care unit is moved as part of the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct.

The project has been co-designed by young people with lived experience in mental health, their families, clinicians and staff.

"It was about everyone getting together with the architects and designers and having their view point on what makes the right environment," Hunter New England Health mental health general manager Jonathan Holt said.

The new 2100 square metre space will include larger bedrooms, more natural light while also improving privacy, a dedicated courtyard, carer accommodation, family zones and more education and therapeutic space.

Some of the suggestions were supported by former patient Kiara Want, who also advocated for separate spaces for people with eating disorders to have meals.

"Eating at a table with group of strangers can be very daunting," she said.

Ms Want described the co-design process as a "positive experience".

"Advocating for future young people who are going through a very difficult time in their lives is really important and I know this is going to help a lot of people."

Nexus nurse unit manager Bec Mosely said the input would help support patients who utilise the service.

"It's a really stressful time when people come into hospital, so it's so important to have an environment that is welcoming and comfortable and therapeutic," she said.

The upgrade is part of the $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program to support the delivery of mental health care reform.