14 April 2023

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs
The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon

Construction starts on the Gold Coast’s new Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit

  • Construction has started on the 40-bed Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU) at Gold Coast University Hospital
  • The new facility will provide a contemporary and therapeutic environment for mental health consumers with severe and complex mental health disorders
  • The building is expected to be complete by late 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting

Concept and images will be uploaded here: https://bit.ly/3zTDIaJ

Work has started on a new major 40-bed Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU) at the Gold Coast University Hospital to help meet the growing demand for secure mental health services.

The unit will provide the Gold Coast’s first secure mental health facility to support the recovery of consumers with severe and complex mental health disorders who would benefit from a more secure setting.

The Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit will provide a contemporary and safe environment for consumers and staff.  The service will support consumers in their recovery until they can transition to living in the community.

The unit will be operated in partnership with Metro South Health to meet growing demand for mental health rehabilitation services across South-East Queensland.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath:

“It is vital for people with complex mental health needs to have access to a safe environment to receive 24-hour clinical support to support their recovery.

“The team at Gold Coast Health worked in partnership with consumers who have lived experience of receiving mental health care, as well as carers and staff to design a world-class, compassionate, person-centred mental health facility that fosters the recovery of consumers, families and carers.”

“Not only will people be treated for their condition here, more importantly they will be supported in their recovery and rehabilitation until they can transition back into the community.”

Quote attributable to the Minister for Environment and Science Meaghan Scanlon:

“This is one of many health projects the Palaszczuk Government has committed on the Gold Coast thanks to the $1.944 billion health investment announced in last year’s budget.

“This includes a $1.3 billion investment in the new Coomera Hospital, the $72 million Gold Coast university Hospital sub-acute expansion, and a $16.5 million Robina Hospital Emergency Department expansion which will create 20 new beds.”

Quotes attributable to BESTIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker:

“BESIX Watpac has built a strong reputation for delivering high quality critical health infrastructure over the past 40 years and we specialise in delivering facilities that have bespoke design requirements,” he said.

“We look forward to working with the team at Gold Coast Health to build the Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit.”

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078