iMH Launches First Private Mental Health Hospital in Queensland
Queensland’s first private mental health hospital, Nundah Private Hospital, has officially opened, addressing significant gaps in Australia’s mental health system. Operated under a joint venture between Aurora Healthcare and Amplar Health, Nundah Private Hospital introduces a new, integrated care model that extends beyond traditional hospital care to include home and community-based services.
The 58-bed facility is iMH’s third private mental health hospital, following the opening of Deakin Private Hospital (ACT) and Hirondelle Private Hospital (NSW). Nundah’s purpose-built design aims to give patients greater control and flexibility over their care by integrating both hospital and community services, with a focus on reducing hospital readmissions.
Recent Medibank data highlights that private mental health readmission rates remain alarmingly high, with over 40% of psychiatric patients being readmitted within 12 months. To combat this, iMH’s innovative model provides patients with flexible care pathways that include hospital-based services as well as community support, such as in-home care, telehealth consultations, and day-only group therapy programs.
Statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal that nearly half (45.2%) of Queenslanders aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime. Furthermore, in the past year alone, nearly one in four (23.7%) reported struggling with a mental health condition. Among these, anxiety disorders are the most common, affecting 19.2% of the population, followed by depression (8.6%), and substance use disorders (3.2%).
In response to these challenges, Nundah Private Hospital is committed to improving access to essential mental health services. Its innovative care model provides a range of clinical pathways designed to improve patient outcomes, support recovery, and ease pressure on the broader healthcare system.
Robert Read, Chief Executive of Amplar Health, said, “The opening of Nundah Private Hospital is a critical step in responding to the growing mental health challenges Australians face. It represents a shift towards a care model that alleviates pressure on the healthcare system while providing more personalized, accessible support for patients.”
Read further emphasized the need to evolve mental health care delivery, noting that the hospital’s approach is designed to ensure that patients and their families receive the necessary support in their communities and at home after discharge. This model, he explained, provides crucial help during recovery and reintegration, offering support at a time when individuals need it most.
The hospital features a state-of-the-art, patient-centered environment, with both indoor and outdoor spaces designed to create a calming, home-like atmosphere. Julia Strickland-Bellamy, CEO of Aurora Healthcare, highlighted the importance of Nundah Private Hospital for the northern Brisbane community. “This facility allows us to extend our reach and introduce a new model of care that reflects the changing needs of patients. It keeps patients connected to essential mental health services and support, helping them recover closer to home,” she said.
Amanda Delacy, CEO of Nundah Private Hospital, emphasized that mental health care is not a one-size-fits-all approach. “At Nundah, every patient is assigned a dedicated care coordinator who works with them daily to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan not only addresses their mental health needs but also promotes their overall wellness,” she explained.
The facility is intentionally designed to offer a supportive, less clinical environment, making the recovery process feel more comfortable and less intimidating for patients. The design includes floor-to-ceiling windows to allow natural light into spaces, creating a peaceful atmosphere conducive to healing.
The launch of Nundah Private Hospital aligns with iMH’s broader vision to transform mental health care across Australia. As Delacy put it, “This facility is a key step in our commitment to providing innovative mental health services that meet patients where they are, ensuring care is both effective and accessible.”
Nundah Private Hospital’s approach is part of a broader effort to rethink how mental health services are delivered in Australia. By blending hospital care with community support, iMH aims to create a comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered mental health system that is better equipped to address the growing need for mental health support across the country. With this new facility, Queensland has taken a significant step toward ensuring that individuals with mental health challenges receive the care they need in an environment that supports their well-being and long-term recovery.
