The new $122.7 million 40-bed Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit at the Gold Coast University Hospital has been officially opened today.
The live-in facility will provide specialist care for adults with complex mental health issues. The unit will open in a staged approach and welcome its first patients from mid-March.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls said the Queensland Government had long acknowledged the emerging mental health crisis and the need to deliver more dedicated facilities.
“The arrival of the Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit comes at a crucial time with demand for services rising,” Minister Nicholls said.
“The Gold Coast facility, which aims to provides tailored mental health care to support patients in their smooth reintegration into the community, is a big step forward in helping to meet the growing demand for mental health care across the state.
“This facility increases the total number of beds in Queensland while offering a more modern and supportive environment for patients, staff and their families, and the Crisafulli Government plans to deliver more dedicated facilities.”
Gold Coast Health’s Clinical Director for Mental Health and Specialist Services, Dr Sandeep Chand said the new secure unit offered a welcoming environment where natural light, secure outdoor spaces and a home-like atmosphere come together to promote healing and comfort.
“The Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit was developed in collaboration with people who have lived experience, ensuring both the space and the model of care reflect the real needs of patients,” Dr Chand said.
“Recovery from mental health challenges takes time, just like recovering from a physical injury.
“What sets the SMHRU apart is its design and model of care specifically developed to address a critical gap in long-term rehabilitative mental health care, where our team will provide dedicated support for individuals living with severe and complex mental health conditions such as schizophrenia.
“Ultimately, the goal of the SMHRU is to provide a space where individuals can heal, recover and rebuild their lives with dignity.”
