IMH is a joint venture between Aurora Healthcare, Australia’s largest private mental health hospital provider, and Medibank Private-owned Amplar Health, designed to revolutionise mental health care. With three IMH hospitals across Australia—Brisbane (Nundah Private Hospital), Canberra (Deakin Private Hospital), and Sydney (Hirondelle Private Hospital)—IMH delivers shorter, more intensive, and highly flexible treatment options, offering both inpatient and day-intensive programs where patients complete therapy during the day and return home in the evening.
What sets IMH apart is its focus on continuity of care beyond the hospital stay, ensuring patients stay connected to the right support services throughout their recovery in order to minimise readmission rates. At the heart of this model is the Clinical Care Coordinator—a key role dedicated to guiding patients through their mental health journey, working closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, allied health professionals, GPs, and community services to tailor each patient’s care plan and ensure they receive the right support at every stage.
We spoke with Kirra, a Clinical Care Coordinator at IMH Nundah Private Hospital, to learn how this next-generation approach to mental health care is making a difference in patients’ lives.
Kirra: My role as a Clinical Care Coordinator involves overseeing patient care from admission to discharge and beyond, ensuring they receive the appropriate treatment and support at every stage of their journey. I act as a point of contact for patients, their families, and the multidisciplinary team including GPs, making sure that each patient’s care plan is tailored to their needs and connecting them with the right support services. I also help with discharge planning to ensure a smooth transition back into their daily lives, providing guidance and ongoing mental health support.
Another key part of my role is supporting GPs in managing the transition back into the community. I collaborate closely with GPs to ensure they are fully informed about their patients’ progress and provide them with any guidance or resources they may need to continue supporting the patient’s mental health journey post-discharge.
Q: How do you support patients during their hospital stay?
Kirra: A key aspect of my role is delivering compassionate, person-centered care. I collaborate closely with our psychiatrists, psychologists, allied health professionals, and nursing staff to ensure that every patient receives a tailored approach that combines therapy, medication management, and emotional support. My role also involves educating patients about their mental health conditions, helping them develop effective coping strategies, and connecting them with resources that support their ongoing recovery.
Q: What role does a Clinical Care Coordinator play in post-discharge recovery?
Kirra: Mental health recovery doesn’t stop when a patient leaves hospital—and that’s what makes IMH different.
At IMH Nundah Private, we take a long-term, integrated approach to mental health care. Our support doesn’t end at discharge—we continue to assist patients through:
In other facilities I’ve worked in, once a patient was discharged, that was the end of their journey with us. But with IMH’s innovative care model, we remain actively involved in their ongoing recovery. This continuity makes an incredible difference in preventing relapse and supporting long-term mental wellbeing.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Kirra: Seeing patients progress and regain confidence in themselves is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that I play a part in their journey, whether it's by offering guidance, lending a listening ear, or ensuring they receive the best possible care, makes this job so rewarding. Mental health recovery is not a straight path, but being part of a team that empowers individuals to take control of their well-being is truly special.
Q: Why is mental health nursing so important?
Kirra: Mental health nursing goes beyond providing medical care—it’s about offering support, advocacy, and hope. Many people facing mental health challenges feel isolated, and having a dedicated team to guide them through their journey can make all the difference. Our work helps patients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take steps toward a healthier future.
At IMH Nundah Private Hospital, our Clinical Care Coordinators are an integral part of our mission to provide high-quality mental health care. Their dedication to supporting patients throughout their recovery journey highlights the kindness, courage, and Inclusion that define Mental Health Nursing.
To refer a patient or learn more, find an iMH facility near you:
