Gold Coast Health is recognised for quality patient care, nursing and midwifery excellence and innovations in professional nursing and midwifery practice under the Magnet® Recognition Program.
"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.
The final stage of the Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU) is now open, with Sandalwood ward welcoming consumers and bringing the purpose-built unit to its full operating capacity of 40 beds.
The $122.7 million SMHRU, located at Gold Coast University Hospital, provides secure, recovery-focused rehabilitation for adults living with severe and complex mental health conditions while strengthening specialist mental health rehabilitation services in Queensland.
Gold Coast Health Mental Health and Specialist Services Clinical Director Dr Sandeep Chand said the opening marked an important milestone for the service.
"Recovery looks different for every individual, and our role is to create an environment where people can reconnect with their strengths, rediscover purpose and work towards goals that are meaningful to them," Dr Chand said.
"The Gold Coast SMHRU combines expert clinical care with innovative therapeutic programs to help consumers build confidence, develop life skills and take positive steps towards greater independence.
"The opening of Sandalwood allows us to build on the strong foundations established in Banksia ward and continue delivering care that is focused on recovery, dignity and hope."
Gold Coast SMHRU A/Nursing Director Tania Thomas said one of the most rewarding aspects of the service had been seeing consumers reconnect with their identity and develop confidence through everyday achievements.
"Whether it's helping run the Banksia Café, participating in creative projects, learning new skills or building the confidence to engage with others, these moments can have a profound impact on a person's recovery journey," Ms Thomas said.
"We've seen consumers discover new interests, reconnect with their strengths and take pride in accomplishments that help foster confidence, purpose and connection.
"The environment, programs and workforce all work together to support recovery, but it's often the small, everyday moments of progress that have the greatest impact."
The opening of Sandalwood follows the successful commissioning of Banksia, the first 20-bed ward, which welcomed its first consumers in March 2025.
The staged approach has enabled clinical teams to refine treatment programs, care pathways and operational processes ahead of the service reaching full capacity.
Across the past year, consumers have participated in a range of innovative rehabilitation programs, including the consumer-led Banksia Café, where consumers develop practical skills such as teamwork, communication and money handling, a puppet show production supporting emotional expression and storytelling, and creating personalised T-shirt projects that promote self-expression, identity and pride.
Consumers have also participated in daily living skills programs, community-based shopping activities, walking and exercise programs, art therapy, music therapy and psychology-led programs tailored to support individual rehabilitation goals.
Rehabilitation programs at the Gold Coast SMHRU:
Awards and recognition:
