iMH opens its first private mental health hospital in Queensland

Queensland’s first private mental health hospital under iMH’s integrated care model has officially opened its doors, addressing critical gaps in Australia’s mental health system.

Operated under a joint venture between Aurora Healthcare and Amplar Health, Nundah Private Hospital introduces a revolutionary approach that extends care beyond hospital walls to home and community settings.

The 58-bed hospital is iMH’s third, following the opening of Deakin Private Hospital (ACT) and Hirondelle Private Hospital (NSW). This purpose-built facility is designed to provide patients with greater choice, value and control over their care by leveraging both hospital and community services and aiming to reduce hospital readmission.

Private mental health readmission rates remain alarmingly high, with over 40% of psychiatric patients readmitted to hospital within 12 months, according to Medibank data.

The innovative iMH model aims to tackle these statistics by providing flexible care pathways including in hospital care and community based services, including in-home care, telehealth and day-only group therapy programs.

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that nearly half (45.2%) of Queenslanders aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime. In the past 12 months alone, almost one in four (23.7%) reported struggling with a mental health condition. Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent, impacting 19.2% of the population, followed by affective disorders such as depression, which affect 8.6%, and substance use disorders at 3.2%.

Nundah Private Hospital will play an important role in addressing this growing challenge through its innovative model of care that supports a range of clinical care pathways. The hospital will support greater access to essential mental health services and aims to improve patient experience and ease pressure on the broader healthcare system.

Amplar Health Chief Executive, Robert Read said; "The opening of Nundah Private Hospital is another example of the health transition at play. It represents a shift in care that not only responds to the growing mental health challenges faced by so many Australians, but also helps relieve pressure on our broader health system."

The data speaks for itself – Australians are struggling with their mental health, and we must evolve the way we deliver care. This hospital offers a new model, ensuring that patients and families receive the support they need in their communities and at home after discharge. For many, this is the difference between coping and not coping, between feeling supported or feeling isolated.

Nundah Private Hospital offers a state-of-the-art, patient-centred environment. The hospital’s indoor and outdoor areas were crafted to create a calming, home-like atmosphere.

CEO of Aurora Healthcare, Julia Strickland-Bellamy, emphasised the importance of the hospital’s opening for the northern Brisbane community, and the ability to leverage Aurora’s extensive expertise in private mental health specialisation. “The opening of Nundah Private allows us to expand our reach and introduce a new model of care that reflects the evolving needs of patients,” she said. “This facility will keep patients connected with essential mental health services and support through their recovery closer to home."

CEO of Nundah Private Hospital, Amanda Delacy, said mental health care is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach; “At Nundah, every patient is assigned a dedicated care coordinator who works closely with them daily to develop a personalised treatment plan that supports both their mental health and overall wellness,” she said.

The hospital is designed to feel less like a clinical setting and more like a supportive space for recovery, enabling patients to reintegrate into their communities with confidence.

The launch of Nundah Private Hospital is part of iMH’s broader vision to transform mental health care in Australia. The hospital's tranquil design steps away from the traditional medical setting, incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows that flood spaces with natural light and a range of thoughtfully designed facilities for patients.

“This is about delivering better access, choice, and flexibility to Australians needing mental health support,” said Amanda Delacy.

“The Nundah facility is a key step in our commitment to innovative service delivery that meets patients where they are, ensuring care is both effective and accessible.”