Miles Doing What Matters: Gold Coast’s largest hospital expands

• Final phase for Gold Coast University Hospital’s $122.7 million, 40-bed Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU)
• Will support recovery of people with severe and complex mental health disorders, and building completion expected late 2024
• Comes as Miles Government also announces upgrade to hospital’s emergency department triage and ambulance offload areas

The scaffolding has come down on the Miles Government’s $122.7 million project to support people with severe and complex mental health disorders.

Part of the government’s major investment in health for the city, alongside the new 404-bed Coomera Hospital, the SMHRU will offer 40 beds split between two self-contained units across two levels. 

Recruitment is in full swing with the clinical leadership team now on board. 

The two wards have been officially named "Banksia" (B1) and "Sandalwood" (LG), in keeping with Gold Coast Health’s Australian flora theme for mental health wards.  

The facility is linked to university hospital by a semi-enclosed linkway attached to the existing mental health building, ensuring the efficient flow of staff, visitors and food delivery between the new unit and the main hospital. 

Inspecting progress today on the unit today, Gold Coast-based Minister Meaghan Scanlon also announced that the hospital would undergo a $1.7 million upgrade to improve patient flow and safety.

The project will see the emergency department triage and ambulance offload areas upgraded with eight new stretcher bays, reconfigured triage for patient transfers, a dedicated space for acute mental health presentations, and additional waiting areas.

Queensland Ambulance Services will be relocated to an external building, with the internal space repurposed to meet growing community demand.

In the last financial year, more than 190,000 patients presented to Gold Coast Health EDs; a rise of more than 2 per cent.

The number of ambulance arrivals also increased, rising by 5.3 per cent to more than 64,300 arrivals.

Quotes attributable to Gold Coast-based Miles Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon:  

“Only the Miles Labor Government will deliver the staff, beds, and health services Gold Coasters need.

“Mental health is extremely important, and this unit will ensure those with severe and complex mental health issues have access to world-class, compassionate care.

“It will provide a secure, therapeutic environment where individuals with severe and complex mental health disorders can receive the specialised care they need close to home. 

“All of this – critical investment in new hospitals, more beds, frontline staff, mental health and our emergency departments - is all at risk under the LNP.

“We saw what they when they sacked doctors, nurses and closed down the Barrett Adolescent Health Centre, and Queensland cannot risk it again.”

Quotes attributable to the Clinical Director of Mental Health and Specialist Services at Gold Coast Health, Dr Sandeep Chand: 

"The SMHRU has been purpose-built to address a critical gap in mental health care for those living with severe and complex conditions like schizophrenia.  

“Our vision is to create a safe, therapeutic space where patients can recover with dignity and compassion. 

"We have designed the SMHRU to be a healing environment that integrates natural light, secure outdoor areas, and a home-like atmosphere.  

“This approach is essential for patients who may need extended stays, allowing them to feel supported as they work towards recovery. 

"We’ve worked closely with individuals with lived experience to develop the space as well as the model of care to ensure the SMHRU provides a therapeutic environment that feels like home. 

“Here, patients can build resilience, develop life skills, and prepare to reintegrate into their daily lives. 

"The focus on natural light and secure outdoor spaces is central to creating a healing environment that supports long-term recovery." 

ENDS 

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz – 0420 592 078