As H Block opens its doors at Gold Coast University Hospital, Dr Ganesamoorthy Subakumar reflects on a career shaped by compassion, complexity and a commitment to caring for older adults. Two decades on from his first role in a geriatric ward, Dr Subakumar continues to lead with a focus on person-centred care, mentorship and creating services that meet the growing needs of an ageing population.
Tell us about your career journey and what led you to care for older adults…
My journey began as a junior Medical Officer in a geriatric ward in New Zealand. It was the first time I experienced what truly holistic, multidisciplinary care looked like and it stood in stark contrast to the services my own ageing parents were able to access. That difference had a profound influence on me and led me to specialise in geriatric medicine.
Over time, I came to understand the unique challenges older adults face – not only complex medical conditions, but also psychosocial struggles that require teamwork, patience and empathy.
Two decades later, I’m proud to serve as a Senior Geriatrician, where my role has grown to include leading teams, mentoring younger colleagues and developing services that reflect community needs.
What does person-centred care look like in the new H Block?
For me, person-centred care means seeing beyond the illness to the individual.
Older adults often need longer to recover. Their healing involves not just the physical but the emotional and social as well.
H Block was designed with this in mind. Light-filled spaces, calm communal areas and accessible gardens are not just design features – they’re part of the recovery process.
When you first became involved, what was your vision for H Block?
I first became involved when H Block was still just an idea on paper back in June 2022 and that vision is now reality.
This building now houses dedicated spaces for managing dementia-related behavioural issues all under one roof. Including a general Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit and facilities for individuals with complex psychosocial needs.
What challenges lie ahead?
The biggest challenge is the rapid growth of our ageing population. Adults over 65 are the fastest-growing age group and with that growth comes an opportunity to enhance our services, build on our specialised expertise and design early detection and preventative models of care.
Meeting these needs requires more than good clinical practice. It means planning proactively, investing in infrastructure and ensuring we have a workforce prepared and supported to care for older adults. It’s a challenge requiring foresight, resilience and ongoing advocacy.
What values guide your leadership?
I see leadership as service. My role is to advocate for facilities and staffing to meet community needs and create opportunities for others to grow.
Mentoring junior doctors, nurses and allied health professionals has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Their curiosity and drive inspire me and I learn from them as much as they learn from me. Working alongside a passionate, multidisciplinary team keeps me grounded and motivated.
What makes your team special?
I’m fortunate to be part of a team where support is second nature. Colleagues look out for one another, step in when someone is away and share the workload without hesitation. That culture of care has been vital throughout this project.
What touched me most during this journey was the kindness of colleagues who dropped by unprompted to lend a hand. That generosity of spirit made this one of the most memorable experiences of my career.
What difference will H Block make?
For patients, H Block offers dignity, comfort and a safe place to recover. For families, it provides space and support to be part of their loved one’s journey. For the Gold Coast, it sets a new benchmark for aged care – proof that we’re preparing for the future and leading the way in how we care for older adults.
This has been a huge milestone, what does it mean to you personally and professionally?
The opening of H Block in September this year was both professionally and personally meaningful. Professionally, it represents years of vision, planning and advocacy brought to life. Personally, it’s humbling to see how quickly the facility has been embraced by patients and families and to witness the difference it’s already making.
It’s a privilege to be part of this moment in the history of older adult care on the Gold Coast.
Lastly, how do you look after yourself?
On a personal level, I try to balance the demands of my work with strategies that help me manage stress and maintain perspective. I take time to pursue other interests which include improving my flute skills, regular swimming and if time permits photography.
