A new crisis support space has opened at Nambour General Hospital, providing a calm, welcoming alternative to the Emergency Department for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
The community was invited to take a look inside the space today at an Open Day, so they could meet the team and become familiar with the environment before they may need to access it.
The new space is part of Queensland Health’s ongoing rollout of crisis support services under its Better Care Together plan, aimed at improving access to timely, person-centred mental health care across the state.
Crisis support spaces are designed to support people experiencing distress or personal crisis. The Nambour service offers a therapeutic environment where visitors can receive immediate support from trained peer workers and mental health clinicians.
Unlike a traditional Emergency Department setting, the crisis support space provides a quieter, more relaxed environment focused on de-escalation, recovery, and connection.
Sunshine Coast Health Acting Chief Executive Karen Dean said the new facility will transform how locals in crisis access care.
“Emergency departments play a critical role in our health system, but they are not always the most appropriate setting for someone experiencing a mental health crisis,” she said.
“This new crisis support space at Nambour Hospital gives people an alternative, somewhere they can feel heard and supported in a safe, therapeutic environment.”
The space has been co-designed with people who have lived experience of mental health challenges, ensuring it meets the needs of those it is intended to support.
Sunshine Coast Health Director of Lived Experience Katie Barlow said the new crisis support space at Nambour Hospital has been thoughtfully designed to provide a calm environment.
“Crisis support spaces bring together peer and clinical support in a calm, homely environment, offering people a different pathway to get help when they need it most,” Katie Barlow said.
“This space is another important step in strengthening and transforming our mental health services to deliver better outcomes for our community.”
“A key feature of the Nambour space has been the co-design of the artwork, developed in partnership with people who use our services."
“The result is a space that feels welcoming and inclusive, with a strong sense of belonging. It’s colourful, hopeful and creative, designed to feel like a meeting place rather than a clinical environment, and deeply connected to the local community.”
Crisis support spaces have already demonstrated positive outcomes across Queensland, including reducing Emergency Department presentations, unnecessary hospital stays, and the need for inpatient admissions.
The Nambour facility joins a growing network of crisis support spaces across the state, including the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
The service will be available seven days a week from 1pm-9pm, improving access to care when people need it most.
People seeking support can call the crisis support space directly during open hours, or call 1300 MHCALL (1300 642 255) 24/7 for advice on available services.
For support outside opening hours, people should go to the Emergency Department.
If someone is in immediate danger, they should call Triple Zero (000).