The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) is one of Queensland’s leading healthcare facilities, offering comprehensive mental health services designed to support individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges. The hospital’s mental health ward is a cornerstone of its commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care for people with acute and complex mental health needs.
What Services Does the RBWH Mental Health Ward Provide?
RBWH’s mental health services encompass a broad spectrum of assessment, treatment, and support options for adults dealing with mental health and substance use issues. These services are delivered through inpatient care, outpatient clinics, and community programs, ensuring holistic support tailored to individual needs.
Key services include:
- Adult Inpatient Mental Health Service: This unit caters to individuals aged 18 and over who require inpatient care for acute mental health conditions. The ward provides a safe, therapeutic environment where patients receive multidisciplinary care from psychiatrists, nurses, allied health professionals, and peer support workers.
- Acute Care Team: Acting as the first point of contact, this team offers triage, assessment, and brief interventions for people experiencing acute mental health crises.
- Specialist Programs: RBWH hosts specialized services such as the Queensland Eating Disorder Service (QuEDS), Perinatal Mental Health Service, Forensic Mental Health Service, and Alcohol and Drug Service, addressing specific patient needs.
- Community and Continuing Care: Beyond inpatient treatment, RBWH supports recovery through community outreach, rehabilitation, and ongoing case management, helping patients transition back to everyday life.
Patient-Centered and Recovery-Focused Care
The mental health ward at RBWH emphasizes a recovery-oriented approach, focusing on empowering patients and their carers throughout their treatment journey. The care model encourages active participation in therapeutic programs, fostering skills that aid recovery and reintegration into the community.
Family members and nominated support persons are involved in treatment planning and discharge processes, ensuring a supportive network for patients.
Facilities and Environment
The inpatient mental health units at RBWH are designed to provide a secure, supportive, and therapeutic setting. The wards are staffed 24/7 by experienced clinicians who deliver individualized care plans. Locked units ensure safety, particularly for patients admitted involuntarily under the Mental Health Act 2016.
Specialized Teams and Services
RBWH’s mental health services include:
- Adolescent Inpatient Unit: For young people aged 14–18, offering age-appropriate assessment and treatment.
- Older Persons Mental Health Service: Addressing the unique needs of elderly patients.
- Homeless Health Outreach Team: Providing support to vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness.
- Psychiatric Emergency Centre: Offering urgent assessment and care for mental health crises.
- Mobile Intensive Rehabilitation Team: Supporting patients with severe and persistent mental illness through intensive community-based care.
Accessing the RBWH Mental Health Ward
Referrals to the inpatient mental health service can come through general practitioners, emergency departments, or community mental health teams. The Acute Care Team often serves as the initial point of contact for urgent referrals.
Contact and Location
- Address: Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006
- Phone: (07) 3646 1150 (Mental Health Services)
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (for outpatient and community services)
Conclusion
The mental health ward at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. With a focus on recovery, safety, and community reintegration, RBWH’s mental health services are a vital resource for Queenslanders seeking support for complex mental health and substance use issues.