Crisis Stabilisation Unit

The Nujum Jawa Crisis Stabilisation Unit (CSU) (pronounced: Ujum Jarwa) located at The Prince Charles Hospital provides a dedicated therapeutic space for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

We offer services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people aged 16 years or older, and access to a specialist mental health multidisciplinary team inclusive of lived experience workers, as an alternative to the Emergency Department.

Our services

We provide care to better support people experiencing a mental health crisis through our two stabilisation services:

  • Our short-term (up to 23 hours) service provides targeted and effective care in a comfortable setting to resolve g crisis symptoms. We provide access to a range of support services in community, such as social services, peer support services and counselling, which could improve the overall quality of life and health outcomes for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
  • Our short-stay unit (up to 72 hours) provides evidence-based, intensive and specialist care through the Short Stay Pathway (SSP) multidisciplinary team. The SSP takes a holistic approach to resolving mental health crisis and supports people through a program of tailored brief interventions specifically designed to manage the crisis, meet individual needs, and support longer-term recovery.

How to access this service

Admission to this service is through referral only. Our referring partners include:

  • Queensland Ambulance Service
  • Queensland Police Service
  • The Prince Charles Hospital Emergency Department
  • Metro North Mental Health
  • MHCall service – 1300 642 255

Frequently asked questions

The average time that people spend in Nujum Jawa CSU is eight hours and SSU is three days. Ask a staff member when you can expect to be discharged.

Smoking is not permitted in or within five metres of any Queensland Health hospital. You will have free nicotine replacement therapy available to you during your stay. People are not permitted to have cigarettes in Nujum Jawa CSU. If you bring cigarettes to the hospital they will be stored and returned to you on discharge if you ask for them.

Yes, family are welcome to visit the unit at the discretion of the shift co-ordinator. Visitors must arrive and sign into the unit and follow the directions of staff at all times. Family, friends and carers are important in planning for care after mental health crisis and are encouraged to be involved.

Nujum Jawa CSU is for any person aged 16 and over, experiencing a mental health crisis, who does not require emergency medical assessment or treatment.

The name Nujum Jawa was chosen in collaboration with Traditional Owners, Elders, consumers, carers, community members, and staff. A Turrbal Traditional Owner gave permission for language to be used. Nujum meaning Spirit, reflects the deep spiritual and interconnected beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, emphasising the unity of all living things and their connection to land, sea, waterways, and ancestors. Jawa translates to “Tell, Talk, Say,” pays homage to the rich oral traditions and storytelling intrinsic to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Contact us

Nujum Jawa Crisis Stabilisation Unit
Location: Ground Floor, Building 47, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside
Phone: (07) 3139 4334
Fax: (07) 3130 4334
Open: 08:00am to 8:00pm (phone unit for access after-hours)

Need help outside hours?

Call 1300 MHCALL (1300 642 255).

In the case of an emergency call 000.

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