The Gold Coast University Hospital is entering the final phase of construction for its new $122.7 million Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU).
This 40-bed facility, designed to support the recovery of individuals with severe and complex mental health disorders, is expected to be completed by late 2024.
The SMHRU will consist of two self-contained units spread across two levels, with the wards officially named “Banksia” (B1) and “Sandalwood” (LG).
A semi-enclosed linkway will connect the new unit to the existing mental health building, ensuring efficient movement of staff, visitors, and services.
Recruitment efforts are well underway, with the clinical leadership team already in place.
The facility is scheduled to open its first 20 beds during the first quarter of 2025, with the remaining 20 beds to follow.
Alongside the SMHRU project, the Queensland government has announced a $1.7 million upgrade to improve patient flow and safety in the hospital’s emergency department.
This upgrade will include:
- Eight new stretcher bays
- Reconfigured triage for patient transfers
- A dedicated space for acute mental health presentations
- Additional waiting areas
Dr Sandeep Chand, Clinical Director of Mental Health and Specialist Services at Gold Coast Health, emphasised the importance of the new facility, stating: “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.”
The SMHRU is part of a larger investment in health services for the Gold Coast, which includes the new 404-bed Coomera Hospital.
These projects aim to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in the region, with Gold Coast Health emergency departments seeing over 190,000 patient presentations in the last financial year, a 2 per cent increase.
As the scaffolding comes down and the final touches are applied, the SMHRU stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to improving mental health services in Queensland.
