Meet Sean Middleton, the Construction Manager for the Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU), currently under construction at the Gold Coast University Hospital. Set to open its first 20 beds during the first quarter of 2025. Sean is on-site daily, ensuring every phase of the project, from structural work to final fit-out, is executed as smoothly as possible.
Tell us about your career journey…
I have always had a passion for construction, with a background in shop fitting from my earlier years. I joined the Queensland Health project team for the Robina Hospital expansion and found the experience so rewarding I never returned to my substantive position as a Workplace Health and Safety Officer.
What does your role entail?
In this all-encompassing role building the Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU), I am on-site daily to manage the construction process. I work closely with the builder, the architects and the building surveyor to ensure the project is executed as designed.
As part of this process, I actively monitor and manage every phase of construction, from civil and structural work to the external façade, roofing and internal infrastructure. I also oversee the final fit-out of cabinetry and furniture, ensuring every detail aligns seamlessly with our project goals.
I oversee all connections and interfaces with the hospital’s existing infrastructure, working to minimise any disruption to the Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) site. I also design the functionality for key systems, including fire and security systems, to ensure these align with the current design.
After the project is completed, my role will be to manage the defects liability period, ensuring any concerns are resolved. I’ll also create detailed training documentation and a management in use plan, empowering the facility to operate smoothly and efficiently from day one.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
I thrive in a team environment, working closely with builders, Queensland Health, architects, consultants, certifiers and external stakeholders to create a facility meeting Gold Coast Health’s needs.
The most rewarding part of this process is seeing the completed project and taking pride in what we’ve accomplished together as a team.
How do you stay on task in a dynamic project environment?
Prioritisation is key in a construction project with so many moving parts at every stage. With more than 14 years of experience, I've developed a keen ability to anticipate what's needed and when to act. In fact, I often joke I'm the one pushing the builder to keep up with the pace to ensure everything progresses smoothly and efficiently.
When it’s complete, what will the new Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU) mean for the community?
Increasing the number of mental health beds and affiliated services to meet community needs is very important. With mental health being a top priority right now, expanding these facilities is essential for our community's wellbeing.
Lastly, what do you look after your mental health and stay healthy?
Surfing and spending time at the beach is my absolute favourite. There's nothing quite like being out in the ocean, feeling the rhythm of the water, soaking in the warmth of the rising sun and hearing the calming sounds of the sea. If you're lucky, you might even catch sight of playful dolphins riding the waves alongside you—that's what really gives me a thrill.
Interested in joining the SMHRU Team?
We are recruiting for both clinical and non-clinical positions through SmartJobs.
For further information about recruitment opportunities. Contact the SMHRU Clinical Leadership Team via email: gcsmhru@health.qld.gov.au.
Want to know more?
Executive Director for Mental Health & Specialist Services, Malcolm McCann and his team highlight the promising opportunities for recruits at the new SMHRU in this video here.
