Boost for mental health support on Brisbane’s northside

A $5 million facility to help adults manage and recover from mental health issues has opened on Brisbane’s northside.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said Nundah House would support people’s recovery in their own community, close to their family, friends and existing support networks.

“Nundah House provides an important component of care for adults by helping to bridge the gap between the community and the hospital so more people can get the support they need in the community,” Mr Miles said.

“It will deliver short-term recovery-focused residential support to help people who may need additional support to manage a change in their mental health or transition back to living in the community after being discharged from hospital.

“By offering this treatment option to help people in their recovery journey we can remove much of the trauma and stigma associated with episodes of mental illness.”

The 10-bed purpose built Nundah House will provide 24-hour supervised care for mental health consumers residing in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital catchments. Admission is voluntary.

“Expanding and improving mental health services are priorities for the Palaszczuk Government and Nundah House is a wonderful example of that commitment to delivering important services that help better the lives of all Queenslanders.”

Metro North Hospital and Health Board Chair Dr Robert Stable AM said Metro North had a strong focus on improving mental health in the community.

“Nundah House offers an alternative to hospital admission for mental health consumers who can be best supported in a community setting,” Dr Stable said.

“It’s a therapeutic environment for people who are finding it difficult to cope at home and provides an opportunity for early intervention and clinical treatment.

“This model of care reflects the community’s need and preference for innovative mental health services that offer flexible, recovery-focused care, closer to home and to family and friends who can offer support.”

Executive Director of Metro North Mental Health (MNMH) Associate Professor Brett Emmerson AM said services such as Nundah House were increasingly being implemented to address a service gap between inpatient and community care.

“Our focus is on achieving safe and positive outcomes in mental health recovery, prevention and community re-engagement,” A/Prof Emmerson said.

“In areas where this model of care already has been implemented, we have seen the benefits in helping people avoid unnecessary admission to hospital if their mental health is at risk of deteriorating.

“Having our first facility at Nundah will help our consumers to stabilise their mental health while living safely in the community and being close to their support networks.”

Metro North Mental Health will provide clinical services at Nundah House, with recovery-oriented support services to be provided by Neami National.

Metro North Hospital and Health Service is also exploring opportunities for additional ‘alternative to admission’ facilities.