Hunter New England Health (HNEH) held face-to-face consultation days in Tamworth, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Inverell, Narrabri and Armidale during April, as well as an online survey.

According to a HNEH spokesperson, "the response to the engagement activities was fantastic, with over 300 people providing feedback directly at the local pop-ups".

"An additional 109 people responded to the online survey," the spokesperson said.

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Participants were asked their preferences on a colour scheme; what would create a calming space; which type of artworks to display; the preferred name of the unit; and important amenities for inside and outside.

The spokesperson said the results of the survey and consultation events would be released once they had all been collated.

The new Banksia unit is recognised in the state government's $700 million statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.

The new unit will contain an additional eight beds supporting services for older persons.

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