The Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU) at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) is recruiting for its next stage of service rollout, a 20-bed ward, known as Sandalwood, within the purpose-built facility.
Sandalwood (LG) will welcome its first admission from July 2026 and, together with the 20-bed Banksia Unit, SMHRU has reached its 40-bed capacity.
It’s been nearly a year since the service welcomed its first consumers, and the staged approach has enabled clinical teams to refine treatment programs, care pathways and operational processes before expanding to the facility’s full capacity.
Gold Coast Health Clinical Director Mental Health and Specialist Services (MHSS) Dr Sandeep Chand said the progress made in Banksia since opening had provided a strong foundation for the next stage of the SMHRU.
“Our priority is to create a stable, therapeutic setting where consumers can engage in meaningful rehabilitation,” Dr Chand said.
“The work happening behind the scenes now is about ensuring Sandalwood opens with the right people, the right culture and the right supports in place to help individuals move forward in their recovery.”
Key leadership positions, including the Nurse Unit Manager, are currently being recruited as part of preparations for the ward’s opening.
Since opening last year, the SMHRU has established itself as an innovative mental health facility that is committed to delivering unique therapeutic programs.
Examples include the launch of a consumer-led café, a puppet show production to support emotional expression and the creation of personalised T-shirts to instil a sense of pride.
Opening Sandalwood will enable more consumers to access specialised care as they work toward greater independence and community reintegration.
Located on Innovation Drive, the $122.7 million unit provides long-term, secure rehabilitation for adults living with severe and complex mental health conditions.
Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals, including doctors, nurses, allied health clinicians and lived experience peer workers.
Learn more about the SMHRU and see recruitment opportunities.
