Ramsay Newsroom

The number of available beds for patients who are admitted to the facility will double from 24 to 48. 

The Southport Private Hospital’s Executive Officer, Athol Webb, said: “Since Southport Private Hospital was opened in June 2017 we have seen continued growth in demand for the mental health care and rehabilitation services.  So, we are very excited about this extra capacity which will allow us to continue to provide care for all those who need specialist intervention and assistance.”

As a result of the expansion, The Southport Private Hospital will be able to provide specialised care for patients with eating disorders, addiction, post-natal depression and anxiety disorders – in addition to the general mental health treatment it currently offers.

“The additional beds and therapy areas will enhance our current services to meet increasing demand and contemporary, evidence based practice. What we’re offering is more choice and a great standard of care for our patients,” Mr Webb said. 

Additional psychiatrists will join the team at The Southport Private Hospital to help with the roll-out of the targeted treatments. 

Director of Psychiatric Services at The Southport Private Hospital, Dr Lee Williams of Ascent Psychiatry, said: “It’s incredibly important that we have the right skill set when we offer these services.” 

The redevelopment will also include space for group therapy, art and music therapy, a gym and a sensory modulation area, which is a space where the environment can be controlled to reduce levels of distress. 

“It will have low level lighting, strategic sight, sounds, smells, movement and items such as weighted blankets and massage chairs to complement existing therapies and further reduce stress and anxiety,” Mr Webb said. 

Director of Community Psychiatric Services and the Day Programs Dr Philip Muller, also of Ascent Psychiatry, said, “This expansion marks a significant milestone for private mental health services on the Gold Coast and will serve as the counterpart to Ramsay Health Care’s growing commitment to community psychiatry.” 

It is expected the works will be completed by February 2020. 

“We look forward to the expansion, and the ability to offer additional, much-needed services to our patients,” Dr Williams said.