Achievements against Priority Initiatives
Safe, high quality connected care 02
The Brolga team
CHILD & YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH DRUG AND ALCOHOL Safe, Supported, and Heard: Innovations in Adolescent Mental Health Care
The Brolga Unit is a child and adolescent mental health unit at Hornsby Hospital. The unit has transformed how staff manage challenging behaviours in a psychiatric setting. Recognising that enforcing rules can sometimes trigger self-harm or aggression, the team partnered with staff and adolescent consumers to co-design a new behavioural expectations framework, including teen-friendly posters for patients and a written guide for staff outlining expected behaviours and consequences. This co-designed model gave staff the tools and confidence to respond consistently and therapeutically, reducing reliance on restrictive practices. Six months after implementation, the unit saw: • 65% reduction in incidents of self-harm and aggression, • 78% decrease in restraint and seclusion use, • Lower re-admission rates, from 41% to 27%. Staff reported feeling more supported, better equipped to manage challenging behaviours, and safer in their roles. The initiative also reduced the need for emergency interventions and security call-outs, improving workflow and staff wellbeing.
By embedding transparent communication and shared expectations into daily practice, the Brolga team has created a safer, more stable environment for both patients and staff—demonstrating how co-designed tools can enhance care quality and outcomes in mental health settings.
WINNER
In recognition of its impact, the Brolga’s Behavioural Expectations Initiative project won the 2025 NSLHD Quality and Improvement Award for Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services . A video showcasing the project can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/1096129421
14 Safety and Quality Account 2024-2025 Report
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