New Forensic Psychiatric Ward in Skejby Takes Shape

The foundation has been laid, the concrete walls have been erected, and the brickwork is underway. With this, the structural framework for the expansion of Psychiatry in Skejby is now complete. The three-storey, 4,500 sq m building is expected to be operational by early 2027 and will accommodate more patients from the Department of Forensic Psychiatry, as well as staff from various departments.

“It is a pleasure to be able to mark that the construction is now taking shape. This brings us closer to offering more beds in a psychiatric service that has struggled with overcrowding for many years. We want to see a significant increase in capacity, and this new section is one of several important steps in that direction over the coming years,” says Anders Kühnau, Chairman of the Regional Council of the Central Denmark Region.

A Positive Impact on Patients and Staff

The new section will enhance the quality of treatment in forensic psychiatry and ease pressure on general psychiatric services, which will in future have fewer forensic psychiatric patients.

At the same time, the addition of new office and meeting facilities will provide more space and improved working conditions for staff.

“The topping-out ceremony is, in every sense, a joyful occasion. We are celebrating that we are moving closer to welcoming patients and staff into a new, modern environment. We are also celebrating the many professionals who contribute daily to the progress of the construction. And we are celebrating the valuable dialogue we’ve had with staff and patients, enabling us to tailor the framework to make a meaningful difference in everyday life,” says Helle Odde, Acting Hospital Director of Psychiatry.

A Close Collaboration

The groundbreaking took place in March 2025, and the construction is progressing according to schedule. By the time of the topping-out ceremony, work on the façades and interior spaces will have begun.

“The topping-out ceremony not only marks a major milestone in the expansion of forensic psychiatry, but it also celebrates the strong and ongoing collaboration that has been in place since the construction of the original building. This is a significant project that delivers real value to society – and the entire team, from consultants to craftsmen, approaches the task with great professionalism and pride,” says Dan Hein, Project Director for Business at Nordstern.

The project is being delivered as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with PKA Skejby A/S as the PPP supplier, Nordstern as the contractor, and Wicotec Kirkebjerg as the operator. PKA Skejby A/S is already a PPP supplier for other buildings at Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry.

“The topping-out ceremony marks another step towards better facilities for Psychiatry in the Central Denmark Region. For PKA’s members, it is also highly meaningful that their pension savings are helping to address important societal challenges while also delivering a satisfactory return,” says Nikolaj Stampe, Property Director at PKA.

The project has been made possible by the 2020 Finance Act, which allocated DKK 90 million to strengthen forensic psychiatry nationwide.

Fact Box: The New Ward

• 16 new beds for patients in specialised forensic psychiatry
• Office and meeting facilities for at least 50 employees
• 4,500 sq m of new construction
• Expected commissioning: 2027

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Learn more about the expansion of Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry here:
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