Written by: Janne Almhjell 

Centre for Mental Health is both an important part of NTNU's unified campus and the last remaining element in the development of a unified university hospital on Øya in Trondheim. NTNU and Health Mid-Norway are now asking the Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Health and Care Services to clarify the project model for the development of the centre.   

Part of a unified campus    

The ambition for the integrated university hospital is that solutions related to research, specialization and medical education for all subjects on Øya will be optimized through integration and co-location of St. Olav's Hospital and NTNU. The Center for Mental Health is the last element that remains in the gathering of the university and the hospital.   

- For NTNU, it is mainly the Department of Psychology that is planned into the centre. The development of NTNU's part is financed through NTNU’s unified campus investment and cost framework, says Jostein Grytdal, project manager at NTNU. 

Co-ownership ensures the intention of the centre   

NTNU owns and manages its own areas on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Research. It is desirable that NTNU's part will be included in the existing condominium on Øya, where the buildings are owned both by NTNU and St. Olav's Hospital.    

NTNU, St. Olav's Hospital and The Central Norway RHF recommend that the work with the Centre for Mental Health is to be carried out in accordance with the Ministry of Health and Care Services' project model.  

The co-ownership model in Trondheim deviate from the common model in the sector, where the health enterprises own the buildings and the universities rent. The co-ownership model used as a basis for the Centre for Mental Health will ensure that both enterprises' rights are safeguarded and ensure greater functionality and better area use across. 

The plot for where the centre will be built is fully regulated, the development plans have been prepared and in line with the guidelines and framework for the project. In addition, proximity to the clinic and the gathering of relevant disciplines and educations in one place, will ensure synergies across and that the main principle of a unified campus is taken care of.    

Clarifications and the way forward   

Detailed planning now remains, anchoring the project model, schedule and future decision points for the ministries connected with the development.    

NTNU's board of directors was informed of its status at its meeting on 29 October 2020.      

NTNU and the Central Norway Regional Health Authority (RHF) have also requested a co-meeting with the Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Health and Care Services, in order to clarify which project model the ministries think should be used in the development.    

This meeting will set the framework for the further planning of the project.