Independent Patient Rights Advisors

As an authorised mental health service, Gold Coast Health have systems in place to ensure that patients, the patient’s nominated support persons, family, carers and other support persons are advised of their rights and responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 2016.

You can expect that your treating team and people involved in your care keep will you informed of your rights and responsibilities.

In addition to information and advice that you receive from the treating team, we have appointed Independent Patient Rights Advisors (IPRA). IPRAs are available to provide advice to people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and are currently receiving treatment through Gold Coast Health.

To maintain independence, Advisors are employed separately to the Mental Health Service.

Independent Patient Rights Advisors (IPRAs) provide advice and support to people receiving mental health treatment through Gold Coast Health. Advice may also be available to nominated support persons, family members, carers and other support people. Referrals can be arranged through a member of the treating team.

IPRAs can help people to:

• understand their rights under the Mental Health Act 2016 (Qld)
• express their views about treatment and care
• access legal advice and support for Mental Health Review Tribunal appearances
• express concerns and make complaints
• understand the benefits of making an Advance Health Directive and the steps involved to create one.