Staff on Yugaipa Ward at Redland Hospital are making a difference in the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges, one step at a time.
Nurse Unit Manager Karla Butler and Assistant in Nursing Sharon Brock have drawn from lived experience and decades of service to create a safe, welcoming space for patients and staff.
Nurse Unit Manager Karla Butler said Yugaipa’s strength lies in the small but deliberate changes introduced over time.
“Things like putting up decorations at Christmas or adding a pet photo board may seem small, but they help people feel more human and more connected,” she said.
Assistant in Nursing Sharon Brock said she feels privileged to support patients with dignity.
"When I see some of the people we help out and about in the Community, and they look well, they are happy and have goals, possibly being able to find a job or undertaking study, this is what makes it worthwhile,” she said.
“Little changes, like adding velcro curtains on doors for patient privacy make a big difference.”
Both nurses said the shifting public sentiment around mental health issues has helped people in their recovery.
“There has been a reduction in the stigma around mental health.
“Prominent personalities, like Robbie Williams and the broader public discussion is normalising mental health conversations and making it more likely people will seek help,” they said.
The team at Yugaipa continue to trial innovations that improve comfort, promote autonomy, and encourage community inclusion.
With each shift, Karla and Sharon are reshaping what recovery can look like, one small step at a time.