Gold Coast Teen’s Suicide Follows Hospital Discharge, Sparks Calls for Mental Health Review
GOLD COAST, QLD - A 16-year-old Gold Coast girl died by suicide just 10 days after being discharged from a hospital mental health unit, prompting an inquiry into child and youth mental health services in the region. The case of Giaan, whose last name has not been publicly released, has ignited concerns about the adequacy of care provided to vulnerable young people and renewed calls for greater oversight of Queensland’s mental health system.
The tragedy underscores growing anxieties about the state of youth mental health services, especially on the gold Coast, where families and advocates report increasing difficulties accessing timely and appropriate care. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls has confirmed a review of the current model of care, focusing on governance, management, and delivery of services, following allegations of inadequate treatment. This comes amid broader calls from experts for the establishment of an autonomous watchdog to ensure accountability and improve patient safety.
According to a statement provided to A Current Affair, Gold Coast health stated that Giaan “was provided appropriate trauma-informed and thorough evidence-based care in line with clinical best practice throughout their treatment.” The health service also asserted that “every clinical decision was carefully explained, discussed, and consent sought from parents where possible, and included a high level of clinical oversight and governance from external experts to ensure best practice.”
However, the circumstances surrounding Giaan’s discharge and subsequent death are now under scrutiny as part of the wider investigation. The Crisafulli government launched the review after “concerning allegations were raised about treatment being offered,” minister Nicholls said in a statement.
“Every effort must be made to improve systems and to strengthen processes to mitigate preventable harm for these vulnerable patients,” the Minister added.
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