News

Southport Private opens new mental health redevelopment

Aug 20, 2020

The Southport Private Hospital’s new mental health ward is winning praise from staff and patients alike, after opening its doors on the Gold Coast.

The $8 million facility was designed to cater for a growth in demand for mental health services in the region - with the number of beds available doubling from 24 to 48.

The Southport Private Hospital’s Director of Clinical Services, Athol Webb, said the overwhelming feedback from patients was that they loved the new facilities.

“It’s the extra things we offer, like our modern gym, art classes and music room that really set us apart from other mental health services on the Gold Coast,” Mr Webb said.

“We are thrilled to open the new ward to patients under the fantastic leadership of our new director Dr Sandra Fang along with serval other new psychiatrists who have joined us at The Southport Private Hospital. We now also offer our inpatients a number of complementary therapies including yoga classes and exercise physiology.”

“Our recently commenced private Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) service is the only one of its kind on the Gold Coast and will save locals from having to travel to Brisbane to access this service,” he said.

The redevelopment also includes space for a sensory modulation area, which is a space where the environment can be controlled to reduce levels of distress.

“It has low level lighting, strategic sight, sounds, smells, movement and items such as weighted blankets and massage chairs to complement existing therapies and further reduce stress and anxiety,” Mr Webb said.

The Southport Private Hospital can now provide specialist care for patients with eating disorders, addiction, post-natal depression and anxiety disorders - in addition to general mental health services.