The Sunshine Coast set to receive almost a third of new perinatal mental health hospital beds

The Sunshine Coast will receive almost a third of the new perinatal mental health beds being delivered across Queensland, the state government revealed on Thursday.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls and Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital on Thursday, July 2.

The state government has unveiled plans to double the number of perinatal mental health beds in Queensland, with the Sunshine Coast set to receive almost a third of the new beds promised.

Mums and bubs across the state will be supported by midwives, child nurses, dietitians, therapists and social workers in the new hubs.

The specialist services will be provided for mums from the third trimester until the baby is 12 months old.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the plan on Thursday at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, revealing that was where eight of the 30 beds promised would be delivered.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls revealed the Sunshine Coast would receive eight of 30 new perinatal mental health hospital beds being delivered across Queensland on Thursday.

Mr Nicholls said the project would be funded by the “record” $33.1bn health budget for 2025-26, boosting the number of publicly-funded specialist perinatal mental health beds across the state from 12 to 42.

Exactly how much money would be spent on the new beds at SCUH was uncertain, but Mr Nicholls said more than $30m would be invested into perinatal mental health hubs in Queensland.

Providing additional support for mums and babies is “really important”, especially in one of the fastest growing regions of the state, Mr Nicholls said.

“We know having babies can be the most joyous of times, but it also comes with its difficulties,” he said.

“This is about managing those difficulties and providing support for new mums in those circumstances.

“These additional mother-baby beds will help to ensure Queensland families have access to the specialist care when and where they need it during the perinatal period between conception and 12 months postpartum.”

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie in Brisbane on Thursday, June 2. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the new perinatal beds would provide easier access to health services for Sunshine Coast mums.

“It’s absolutely critical that our new mums, bubs and their families can access in-patient support when they need it, without the need to travel to Brisbane or the Gold Coast,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The Sunshine Coast is one of our fastest growing regions, which is why it is one of our priority locations to deliver these new beds that will ensure mums can access mental healthcare with their baby beside them in a safe environment.”

Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt. Picture: Evan Morgan

Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said the additional perinatal services would benefit the whole Sunshine Coast region.

“The more we can support Sunshine Coast mums, the more we can help our little Queenslanders get the best start in life,” he said.

“It’s great news for our local area.”

Sunshine Coast Health Acting Chief Executive Joanne Shaw welcomed the project.

“Becoming a mother is a life-changing transition and ensuring mums have the right mental health support during this time is not only essential for their wellbeing, it lays the foundation for the health and development of their babies,” she said.

“Each year, more than 3,700 babies are born in the Sunshine Coast Health region and this dedicated facility will provide compassionate, evidence-based care that supports recovery and strengthens early parent-child bonds.”

Originally published as The Sunshine Coast set to receive almost a third of new perinatal mental health hospital beds