New $9m mental health clinic offers top service, luxury beds

TOOWOOMBA’S newest specialised mental health clinic will start welcoming patients from next month, much to the delight of its leadership team.

Official opening of new mental health facility in Pechey Street, Toowoomba Clinic which will take first clients in mid September. Dr Andrea Boros-Lavack, clinical director (left) and Bronwyn McCullagh, director of nursing and CEO.

TOOWOOMBA'S newest specialised mental health clinic will start welcoming patients from next month, much to the delight of the organisation's leadership team.

The Toowoomba Clinic, a near-$9 million private facility just down the road from the Toowoomba Hospital on Pechey St, celebrated its launch on Saturday.

The clinic will feature 27 luxurious beds for inpatient services, which resemble high-end hotel rooms, along with a range or outpatient and group therapy facilities.

Clinic CEO and director of nursing Bronwyn McCullagh, who has extensive experience in mental health, said it would also support about 25 jobs once fully staffed.

Official opening of new mental health facility in Pechey Street, Toowoomba Clinic which will take first clients in mid September.

She said there was a clear need for private mental health services on the Darling Downs.

"St Andrew's Hospital has a waiting list all the time (for its unit), and what it will do is take the pressure of that waiting times," Ms McCullagh said.

"People will also have choice, which is also great for the community.

"People can be self-funded, they can come under the Department of Veterans' Affairs or WorkCover, but most of them will be private health insurance-funded."

The clinic was funded by a consortium of like-minded investors, with work starting on the project about six years ago.

Clinical director Dr Andrea Boros-Lavack paid tribute to Ms McCullagh for providing more momentum for the project.

"Without her leadership and support and vision and the drive to keep going, we would not be here now," she said.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio helped open the building on Saturday, highlighting the importance of strong mental health services.

"What (they) are doing here today is growing the support that will be available for those with mental illnesses," he said.

"We live in a growing region, and there is a tremendous opportunity in Toowoomba for growth."