Gold Coast University Hospital - GCUH

Gold Coast University Hospital - GCUH GCUH provides specialised health services that meet the needs of patients as well as the learning re

As one of Australia's fastest growing cities and most popular tourist destinations, the Gold Coast required a facility that could incorporate flexibility into the design to allow for future expansion. The Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) is a highly efficient design with capacity to change and grow to meet future health service needs of the community. Delivering a structure the scale of the Gold Coast University Hospital required a number of detailed planning and design stages. This process commenced back in 2005 and encompasses health service delivery, design and construction. The facility is comprised of seven main buildings, with a total floor space of around 170,000 square metres (excluding car parks). To help you visualise just how large this is, the total floor space of the existing Gold Coast Hospital in Southport is around 54,000 square metres in comparison - around one third of the size of GCUH. The Clinical Services and Clinical Support building connect with the two Inpatient Units, forming the main complex. There are nine levels in the main complex, topped with a helicopter landing site. At a glimpse

- Clinical services and clinical support building (nine levels)
- Two inpatient units
- Pathology and education building (four levels)
- Mental Health Unit
- Western car park (with an Eastern car park as a future initiative)
- Central Energy Plant

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at Gold Coast University Hospital! 🎄🎅Feeling like getting into the festive s...
10/12/2025

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at Gold Coast University Hospital! 🎄🎅

Feeling like getting into the festive spirit?

Join the Creative Health Hub in spreading festive cheer through live music this holiday season! Patients, staff, and visitors are invited to enjoy a series of joyful Christmas performances across our hospitals. ✨

Christmas Piano Concert with Ethan Chen (Medical Intern)
Main Foyer | Friday, 19 December | 12:30 - 1:30pm
Featuring a special guest appearance from a local GP.

Vocalessence - Choir
Rear Parklands | Wednesday 17th December | 4.00 - 4.45pm

Southport Church of Christ Choir
Front Courtyard | Monday, 15 December & Friday, 19 December | 10:00 - 11:00am

All event information is available at https://bit.ly/3KsuFpZ

After eight years supporting cancer and blood disorder patients, Danielle Moore has noticed it’s a certain type of perso...
10/12/2025

After eight years supporting cancer and blood disorder patients, Danielle Moore has noticed it’s a certain type of person who chooses to work in this area of nursing.

“They are the most hardworking, dedicated, loving and empathetic nurses you'll ever meet,” the Acting Clinical Nurse Consultant at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) said.

“We try to make the patient’s time here as easy and stress free as possible and the team is just amazing.”

Danielle is a passionate advocate for GCUH’s subcutaneous immunoglobulin infusion (SCIg) therapy program, which allows vital treatment to be administered in the comfort of a patient’s own home.

“It really empowers patients, especially those who live far away or find it difficult coming into the hospital,” she said.

Suitable patients learn the process during their first few treatments, then only need to visit every eight weeks to collect medications and supplies.

Some even have their medications delivered to their door thanks to volunteer group Blood Bikes.

A big shout out to Danielle and the incredible team behind the scenes – the very definition of patient-centred care. 👏🫶

08/12/2025

Each year, we hold Thank You Week celebrations as a way to recognise the great work our people do for their community and each other.

The truth is Gold Coast Health staff do extraordinary things each and every day of the year. ✨

We’d like to take a moment to stop and say thank you.

Thank you to everyone for helping us have another great year at Gold Coast Health.

Thank you for the work you do every day.

Thank you. ❤️‍🩹

The respiratory team at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) are amazing for many reasons, but today we’re highlighting...
06/12/2025

The respiratory team at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) are amazing for many reasons, but today we’re highlighting them for their recent participation in the charity campaign.

As part of Share the Dignity’s Christmas appeal, they donated around 30 bags filled with essential items such as period products and toiletries.

The bags are collected for women, teens and girls spending Christmas in a domestic violence refuge or homeless shelter and are distributed to multiple charities.

Clinical Nurse Consultant Mel Galletly said she couldn’t be prouder of her colleagues, particularly Registered Nurse Casie Jones who led the group event.

“Participating in these events is the perfect way to bring staff together, boost morale and give to others in need,” she said.

Want to get involved? Find out more here https://bit.ly/40GSWOJ

When Lorretta first started on the Cancer and Blood Disorders Inpatient Unit at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH), s...
05/12/2025

When Lorretta first started on the Cancer and Blood Disorders Inpatient Unit at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH), she was one of the youngest Clinical Nurse Consultants the hospital had placed in such a role.

“It was my dream job, and I applied not thinking I would get it… so when I did I was very excited and moved down here from Toowoomba,” Lorretta said.

Seven years later, it’s evident why Lorretta stood out all those years ago, and her passion for healthcare has not dwindled one bit.

“Being at the bedside is my happy place and I don’t take it for granted the privileged position we’re in as healthcare professionals.

“In this role, you are whoever everyone needs you to be.

“Some days are spent entirely with patients when they are more complex and unwell, other days I might be consulting in ED or on another ward, and others I’m doing a lot of computer-based work.”

Regardless of where her career takes her, Lorretta is certain of one thing.

“Nursing is so much more than a career to me - it has shaped who I am.

“Delivering care when people need it the most reminds me to always strive to be my best self,” she said.

One of our hospital elves met seven-year-old Tyler, and we can confirm he is on the nice list this year. 🎅🎄Tyler was dia...
04/12/2025

One of our hospital elves met seven-year-old Tyler, and we can confirm he is on the nice list this year. 🎅🎄

Tyler was diagnosed with leukaemia in October, with chemo starting the very next day.

"He has four days a week of chemo for four weeks, and then four weeks break," mum Grace said.

"He's already in remission after he had a bone marrow transplant, which is incredible, and he'll be having treatment into April next year we're guessing."

But Tyler is in very high spirits - in fact, he says he feels sorry for his classmates at school who miss him a lot and don't get to hang out with him every day! (Honestly, we don't blame him. He's pretty cool.)

He's hoping for some more Sports Car Lego for Christmas... and an X-box. 🏎️🎮

Critical care simulation at Gold Coast Health began in 2014 with a simple idea on how to best prepare staff for emergenc...
04/12/2025

Critical care simulation at Gold Coast Health began in 2014 with a simple idea on how to best prepare staff for emergency presentations they may experience.

Instead of practising in classrooms, our clinicians trained in a real-life emergency room setting using their own equipment, working in teams, responding as they would on a real day.

At the centre of this is one clinician – Professor Victoria Brazil.

Described as a visionary, strategist and connector, she has shaped the way clinicians across our health service collaborate, respond and save lives.

Recently, our emergency department gathered to farewell Dr Brazil.

Long-time colleague Dr Shahina Braganza shared a heartfelt tribute.

“She’s the reason I chose emergency medicine as my speciality,” she said.

She pushed me beyond my comfort zone. She saw potential I hadn’t recognised yet, and she cultivated it.”

Thank you, Dr Brazil, for the legacy you leave and the culture you’ve built.

Amy doesn’t hesitate when asked what she loves about working with people battling substance use disorder and mental illn...
03/12/2025

Amy doesn’t hesitate when asked what she loves about working with people battling substance use disorder and mental illness.

“It’s a privilege to hear people’s stories,” the Clinical Nurse Consultant with our Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Service said.

“A lot of the people I work with are very marginalised and stigmatised in our society and they ultimately need someone who can listen and not judge them.

“For the most part, our consumers are ordinary people who are having a rough time. They have incredible stories of resilience and resourcefulness."

📖 Amy has some incredible stories of her own.

In her 20s she volunteered in a Nepalese orphanage for four months. She started her career as a journalist before deciding she wanted to help people rather than write stories about them. As mum to a son with a disability, she is an advocate for inclusion.

Which brings us back to her day job.

“Working in mental health can be difficult at times but it’s really just about taking care of people,” Amy said.

“It’s old-school nursing, being an advocate. I love how you can change someone’s day just by spending 20 minutes yarning to them. They can go from having a really rough day to feeling hopeful for their future and their recovery.

“It’s so much more than a job.” 💖

Creating a supportive care environment goes beyond the layout of a ward - it's all in the detail. ✨🌿💛When selecting artw...
02/12/2025

Creating a supportive care environment goes beyond the layout of a ward - it's all in the detail. ✨🌿💛

When selecting artwork for the new Acute Cognitive Unit (ACU) and Geriatric Evaluation Management (GEM) wards at H Block, Nurse Unit Manager Kirsty Macarthur said the focus was on choosing pieces that brought both beauty and purpose to the space.

"Artwork was selected with careful consideration for both aesthetic and functional qualities,” Kirsty said.

“We chose pieces that were realistic, relatable and a point of interest; elements known to evoke comfort and familiarity for individuals living with dementia.

Kirsty said the final selection features local Gold Coast photographer Jon Wright’s stunning imagery - from sunrises and sunsets that support orientation to beaches and native wildlife - offering vibrant, familiar visuals that help patients and families feel connected and at ease. 🌅

“Jon’s work provided an extensive catalogue of suitable options, featuring clear imagery with defined colours and edges which is important when choosing appropriate artwork for those living with dementia".

The first of two floors of H Block commenced services in late September, with the co-located ACU and GEM units welcoming their first planned admissions.

Nicole Blackney has spent 13 years in oncology nursing (10 of those at Gold Coast University Hospital!) and her passion ...
30/11/2025

Nicole Blackney has spent 13 years in oncology nursing (10 of those at Gold Coast University Hospital!) and her passion for cancer care runs deep. 🫶

She’s now a Lung Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC), helping patients navigate one of the most aggressive and misunderstood diseases.

“We see people who’ve never smoked in their life receive a lung cancer diagnosis - that’s the stigma we’re trying to break,” Nicole said.

🫁 She’s hopeful that the new national lung cancer screening program, launched earlier this year, will help diagnose more people earlier, before symptoms like a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood appear.

“People can avoid the GP for far too long, and that’s a really important step for early diagnosis, and in turn the best outcome for the patient.

“Working in this field has definitely changed the way I live my life, knowing that we’re not all here for a long time.”

Find out more about lung cancer signs, symptoms and testing here https://bit.ly/3LSLKtp

Kai was destined to be special. ✨Born at just 23 weeks 5 days, he came out into the world feet first, weighing only 520 ...
29/11/2025

Kai was destined to be special. ✨

Born at just 23 weeks 5 days, he came out into the world feet first, weighing only 520 grams - and still cradled in his amniotic sac, a rare 1-in-80,000 event. 🤯

Today is his official due date, but instead, this little warrior has already spent 114 days proving his strength and overcoming every challenge thrown his way... and has just graduated to low-flow oxygen with no face mask! 💪

His parents can't wait to have him home with big brother Kobe and the extended family. ❤️‍🩹

From day one, the incredible NICU and special care family have surrounded Kai with unwavering love, expert care, and countless cuddles. 👶

Keep fighting, little warrior—the world is ready for you, and we’re all cheering you on. 🙌

It's your last chance to support Cardiac Clinical Nurse Consultant Elle Newman who is taking her passion for heart healt...
28/11/2025

It's your last chance to support Cardiac Clinical Nurse Consultant Elle Newman who is taking her passion for heart health one ‘skip’ further this month - literally. 🦘

She’s taking part in the Heart Foundation's ‘Skip for Heart’ challenge, raising vital funds for lifesaving research, prevention, and improved cardiac care.

With 11 years of experience on the cardiac ward at Gold Coast University Hospital, Elle knows the stakes all too well.

“Even though there have been a lot of advancements, one person dies from heart disease every 18 minutes in Australia,” she said.

“Ten minutes of skipping is equivalent to 30 minutes of jogging, so as a busy mum of two it’s such an easy thing for me to do for my health, and I want to inspire others to do the same.”

It’s a full-circle moment for Elle, who first picked up a rope through the Jump for Heart school program as a child.

Find out more and support her journey here https://bit.ly/4qWaRfe

Address

1 Hospital Boulevard
Southport, QLD
4215

Telephone

+611300744284

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Gold Coast University Hospital - GCUH posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Gold Coast University Hospital - GCUH:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category