iMH, a collaboration between Medibank’s Amplar Health and Aurora Healthcare, has announced the launch of its third mental health hospital in Brisbane, slated to open in late 2024.
The new facility, boasting 58 beds and located in the Nundah area of Queensland, follows on from the successful openings of similar facilities in Canberra and Sydney.
The latest hospital will feature iMH’s integrated mental health model, which includes both inpatient care and a range of supportive services in community and home settings.
“Our aim is to provide great access, choice, and flexibility in mental health services,” said Rob Read, group lead at Amplar Health. “Our unique model focuses on providing flexible care pathways, including a spectrum of out-of-hospital services such as in-home care and care coordination. By extending care beyond hospital walls, we empower patients to achieve longer-term recovery while receiving optimal support in their preferred environment.”
The expansion will also increase iMH’s total mental health bed availability to 155 across Australia, catering to increasing demand for accessible mental health solutions.
“Traditionally, re-admission rates in private mental health facilities hover around 40% within the first year, underscoring the urgent need for a new care model,” Read said. “We take pride in pioneering innovative approaches to mental healthcare, and the announcement of our next iMH hospital opening underscores our unwavering commitment to service innovation, flexibility, and accessibility.”
Julia Strickland-Bellamy, CEO of Aurora Healthcare (Australia), commented on the local impact of the new facility.
“Nundah Private Hospital will provide integrated private mental health services to the Northern Brisbane communities,” she said. “This new model of care in mental health private services is a first for the Brisbane area with the hospital set to open in the second half of 2024. Aurora Healthcare has delivered services to the greater Brisbane area for over 50 years through our Belmont Private Hospital. Nundah Private Hospital enables us to extend our services to the northside of Brisbane, with a new model of care, while also leveraging our years of expertise in private mental health specialisation.”
The expansion is iMH’s investment in mental health infrastructure, with a total of $8.2 million allocated to the Nundah project. Meanwhile, Medibank, which recently rolled out its health insurance extras option for young adults, and Aurora Healthcare are each contributing $3.4 million.
