Gold Coast Health is preparing to open the new H Block (Sub-Acute Building) at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH), with services scheduled to commence in stages from late September.
Located next to C Block at the GCUH and connected via a linkway, the new hospital wing will support specialised inpatient services for older adults and patients with complex needs.
The building is taking shape as construction nears completion and internal works continue.
During the coming weeks, the space will remain a hive of activity as teams complete defect checks, test building systems, install equipment and furniture and support staff familiarisation.
Recruitment is underway to ensure staff are available and have received all required training ahead of service commencement.
New opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration across aged care, geriatric medicine, rehabilitation and mental health is planned, with a focus on appropriate, restorative-focused care for patients needing longer stays.
H Block boosts overall bed capacity across the health service, easing pressure on acute wards at GCUH and Robina, improving patient flow and enabling more appropriate use of existing acute beds.
Phased service commencement from late September 2025
GEM and ACU – opening first
The first services to commence in the new building will be the Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit (12 beds) and the Acute Cognitive Unit (ACU) (10 beds), both located on the Ground floor. The GEM Unit will provide subacute inpatient care including geriatric evaluation, care for people with cognitive impairment, rehabilitation and restorative care.
The new ACU is designed for patients living with dementia who experience severe Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). The unit provides short-term stabilisation and care planning.
With an increasing number of people living with dementia in the community, Gold Coast Health is taking significant steps to ensure that our health service is compassionate, safe and responsive to the needs of patients and their families. Co-location of these services support seamless patient transfers and service integration.
Complex Management Unit (CMU) – opening one week after GEM/ACU
Relocating from Robina Hospital, the CMU provides care for patients with complex medical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. The unit supports safe discharge planning and coordination with external agencies and aged care providers.
GEM Unit
The final stage of opening will see the standalone 24-bed GEM Unit on the Lower Ground level open for service delivery. This completes the 36-bed GEM service across H Block, providing additional capacity for geriatric, rehabilitation and restorative care within a dedicated, multidisciplinary environment.
Interested in joining the team?
Recruitment is underway for both clinical and non-clinical positions through various internal and external strategies. Visit SmartJobs to search advertised positions or for further information about recruitment opportunities, email gchhsaidp@health.qld.gov.au.
