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After spending more than 200 days in hospital despite being medically ready to leave, 67-year-old Stephen is finally packing his bags and heading somewhere he can call home.
His story reflects a growing challenge facing public hospitals, where some patients remain in hospital long after their treatment is complete because they have nowhere safe and suitable to go.
This week, the former nurse will move into suitable housing that meets his needs, ending months of uncertainty and marking the beginning of a new chapter built on stability, independence and connection to community and family.
"I just haven't been able to sleep properly for the last few days. I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas," Stephen said.
"It's been lovely here. The people have been terrific and I'm going to miss them, but I really am looking forward to having my own place."
Stephen is one of a number of 'long-stay' or 'delayed discharge' patients at Gold Coast University Hospital and across other facilities.
While medically ready to leave, these patients often remain in hospital because of barriers such as housing insecurity, limited aged care options, disability support needs or complex personal circumstances.
While hospitals continue to provide safe care, they are designed for acute treatment rather than long-term living. For people like Stephen, access to suitable housing and community support is critical to wellbeing and independence.
Stephen's housing journey began after a change in personal circumstances and financial hardship following a death in the family.
"It was about three years ago, and I've been trying to find somewhere to go ever since then," he said.
After spending time in a respite centre in Brisbane and later supported accommodation on the Gold Coast, Stephen found himself with nowhere safe to return to after an acute medical issue brought him to Robina Hospital.
As a First Nations man, he remained connected to community through regular outings with Kalwun Seniors Services, but finding suitable accommodation proved difficult.
"When I was looking at aged care facilities, they would say I'm too heavy for them or it wasn't accessible enough for me because I'm in a wheelchair," Stephen said.
"But I've never had a fall, and I try to maintain my independence as much as I can.
"After months of that, I gave up and started trying to find anything else. I was looking at private rentals and then finally managed to find somewhere through the Department of Housing after being on the waitlist."
Despite his long wait, Stephen formed strong connections with hospital staff, drawing on his own background as a remote and bush nurse, including work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
"Working as a remote nurse was a great challenge," he said.
"I loved every minute of it, and I didn't want to stop, but my knees went and I had to give it up."
His years caring for others, combined with his own experience navigating housing insecurity, have given him a deep appreciation for the challenges many people face.
"I've been very lucky because a lot of people are on the streets and have nowhere to go," he said.
"Homelessness is a huge problem.
"I always say g'day to them and try to make sure they still feel like part of the community when I pass them in the streets."
As he prepares to leave hospital behind, Stephen is looking forward to simple things many people take for granted: sleeping in his own bed, having his own space and rebuilding his independence.
For Stephen, after more than 200 days in hospital, the next chapter finally begins with a place to call home.
