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        <title>Medibank Newsroom</title>
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                <title><![CDATA[50 new transitional care beds helping South Australians recover outside hospital]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/50-new-transitional-care-beds-helping-south-australians-recover-outside-hospital</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[A partnership between the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) and Amplar Health has delivered 50 transitional (step-down) care beds at College Grove]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[A partnership between the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) and Amplar Health has delivered 50 transitional (step-down) care beds at College Grove, providing more South Australians with appropriate care outside hospital while improving patient flow and reducing pressure on emergency departments.
Transitional care bridges the gap between hospital and home by providing short-term clinical and personal support for patients who no longer need acute hospital care.
Demand for hospital services continues to grow as South Australia's population ages and healthcare needs become more complex.
Transitional care services help ensure hospital beds are available for patients requiring acute treatment while providing appropriate ongoing care for those recovering from illness, surgery or injury.
Following an initial 10-bed opening in April, all 50 transitional care beds delivered through the Central Adelaide Local Health Network and Amplar Health partnership are now operational, including eight dedicated memory support beds as part of Central Adelaide Local Health Network Transition Care Service.
The service provides 24-hour care for patients who are medically ready to leave hospital but still require support before returning home or moving to another care setting.
The College Grove service is part of a growing focus on delivering healthcare outside traditional hospital settings, helping patients transition safely from hospital while improving capacity across the broader health system.
South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing Blair Boyer said the service was helping ensure patients received care in the most appropriate setting while improving capacity across the hospital system.
“As of August, there were 466 patients in South Australian metropolitan public hospitals, and other SA Health services awaiting placement in a residential aged care home. Of these, 124 were waiting for dementia specific care,” Minister Boyer said.
“And in light of that, across Australia an additional 10,000 aged care beds each year will be needed to meet future demand. Of these, 124 were waiting for dementia specific care. But we are doing what we can, by creating the incentive for private investment in aged care facilities, that will take pressure off our health system sooner rather than later.
Amplar Health Group Lead and Chief Executive Robert Read congratulated the government: &quot;This is the health transition Australia needs. By delivering innovative models of care outside of the traditional hospital setting, we're improving access, choice and control for patients. Services like the one at College Grove demonstrate how we can add capacity to the health system in smart and sustainable ways.”
&quot;We're proud to work alongside Central Adelaide Local Health Network to deliver a service that supports hospital flow and responds to the changing healthcare needs of South Australians,” Mr Read said.
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank transforms every goal at Spud’s Game into support towards mental fitness]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-transforms-every-goal-at-spuds-game-into-support-towards-mental-fitness</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[As the official health partner of Spud's Game, Medibank is bringing its mental fitness platform to life through a series of game-day activations and fundraising initiatives designed to remind Australians that fitness isn't just physical. ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Brendan Fevola, Stewart Loewe, Jane Bunn and Marmalade set to headline The Hardest Kick, turning every kick, goal and donation into meaningful support for mental health and wellbeing.
Medibank is strengthening its commitment to mental fitness through its partnership with Spud's Game, supporting one of football's most significant community moments to encourage Australians to prioritise meaningful connection and mental wellbeing.
The sixth annual Spud’s Game, which will take place at Marvel Stadium on 9 August, is Australian sport’s largest fundraising event for mental health and this year will see the AFLW and AFL join forces in Marvel Stadium’s first ever double header.
As the official health partner of Spud's Game and a proud health partner of the AFLW, Medibank is bringing its mental fitness platform to life through a series of game-day activations and fundraising initiatives designed to remind Australians that fitness isn't just physical.
The partnership reflects Medibank's broader focus on preventative mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on helping Australians build meaningful connections, stay engaged with their communities and adopt small everyday behaviours that support wellbeing.
At this year's Spud's Game, Medibank will support fundraising for the Danny Frawley Community and Black Dog Institute through a series of donation initiatives.
Throughout both the Spud’s Game AFLW and AFL matches, Medibank will donate $1,000 for every goal scored to the Danny Frawley Community, part of Black Dog Institute, helping turn every goal into tangible support for mental fitness initiatives.
Taking centre stage on game day will be The Hardest Kick, where Brendan Fevola, Stewart Loewe, Jane Bunn and Joel Eyles (DJ Checkers) will put their goal-kicking skills to the test in support of a worthy cause.
The challenge will see each participant attempt to kick a goal from one of four spots inside the 50 metre arc.
Supporters can donate to help their chosen Hardest Kick participant secure the best position, with the participant who raises the most money for the Danny Frawley Community and Black Dog Institute earning first choice of kicking spot.
Fans can support their chosen Hardest Kick participant by visiting the Hardest Kick donation page and donating before Saturday 8 August.
Every kick within the Hardest Kick challenge will contribute additional funds to the fundraising tally, with Medibank donating:

$1,000 for every goal
$500 for every behind
$150 for every miss

Medibank will also introduce the Medibank Interchange Bench, a dedicated space at Marvel Stadium designed to encourage fans to pause, connect and take a moment for their own mental fitness.
Inspired by one of football's most recognisable places of rest and reset, the activation will invite fans to call or text a loved one, check in with someone they care about, and reflect on the importance of staying connected.
A range of soon to be announced high-profile St Kilda players are set to make appearances on the Medibank Interchange Bench alongside Jane Bunn and Riley Srey (Marmalade).
Medibank Group Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Wilson said: “At Medibank, we want to help Australians think about their mental fitness in the same way they think about their physical fitness – as something that can be supported through small, everyday actions.”
“Our partnership with Spud’s Game is about bringing that preventative health message to life in a place where connection already happens so naturally.
“Footy has a powerful ability to bring people together, whether that’s families, friends, teammates or entire communities, and those moments of connection can play an important role in helping people feel supported, included and less alone,” Dr Wilson said.
The Hardest Kick is one of several initiatives designed to spark conversations and raise vital funds on game day.
For long-time St Kilda fan Jane Bunn, being involved is an opportunity to honour Spud's legacy while backing an important cause.
“As a massive Saints supporter, Spud’s Game is really special to me because it brings people together around footy, community and a cause that matters,” said Ms Bunn.
“If taking part in The Hardest Kick helps encourage more people to think about their own mental fitness, or simply reach out to someone in their life, I’m really proud to be part of it.”
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                                    <author>sharna.rhys-jones@medibank.com.au (Sharna Rhys-Jones)</author>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:30:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Loneliness Awareness Week: Making room for connection]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/loneliness-awareness-week-making-room-for-connection</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Medibank is proud to support Loneliness Awareness Week (3–9 August), led by their social impact partner, Ending Loneliness Together.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[&quot;I used to feel disconnected and isolated and now with the neurodiverse support group, I feel very connected, I feel very empowered, I feel like I have a platform, and I feel like I have a voice.&quot; Gill Strong, Medibank Local Community Specialist.
For Gill, connection isn't about big gestures. It's the everyday moments – a colleague checking in, sharing a story, or just talking about cats – that can make a profound difference.
Her story is one of many being shared during Loneliness Awareness Week (3–9 August), a national campaign led by our social impact partner, Ending Loneliness Together. This year’s theme encourages people to “make room for connection” in their everyday lives.
New research from Ending Loneliness Together highlights just how important social connection is to our health and wellbeing.
Their State of the Nation 2026: Understanding and Rebuilding Social Connection report found that one in two people are experiencing loneliness, social isolation, or both.
Australians aged 45–54 are the most likely to experience both loneliness and social isolation (28%), which could be contributed by many pressures including divorce, caring responsibilities and eroding workplace connection. Young adults aged 18–25 are the loneliest age group, with 1 in 5 reporting loneliness, despite being the most digitally connected generation.
These findings remind us that while loneliness can affect anyone, meaningful connection can make a significant difference. Often, it's the small, intentional moments that help people feel supported, included and a greater sense of belonging. At Medibank, we know connection is more than a nice-to-have. It's a powerful protective factor and fundamental to good health and wellbeing.
Medibank Group Medical Director Dr Shona Sundaraj said: “We know that loneliness is not only a risk factor for mental health issues but also affects physical health.
“Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance. Whether it's becoming a new parent, moving away from home, changing jobs, or experiencing ill health – some of life's most common transitions can also be among the periods when we're most vulnerable to loneliness,” she said.
Dr Sundaraj said loneliness and social isolation can have a compounding effect, reducing people’s energy, confidence, and motivation to engage in everyday activities like exercising. This reduced participation can negatively impact physical health and reinforce ongoing isolation.
She said we know many more people are experiencing loneliness than are openly talking about it.
“By talking more openly about loneliness, we can reduce stigma, help people feel less alone in their experiences, and encourage them to seek the connection and support they need,” Dr Sundaraj said.
She added that building social connection often starts with small acts of courage.
“Making new friends often requires us to be vulnerable, take a chance and put ourselves out there. It can feel uncomfortable, but those small acts of courage are often how meaningful connections begin,” she said.
No single organisation can solve loneliness alone. It takes collaboration across health, community, government and business sectors to build a more connected and healthier Australia.
It’s why Medibank is proud to continue its partnership with Ending Loneliness Together, Australia's peak body bringing people and organisations together to drive and coordinate Australia’s response to loneliness
&quot;At Medibank, we're committed to being a leading voice in normalising these conversations and supporting initiatives that strengthen social connection,&quot; Dr Sundaraj said.
Through our partnership with Ending Loneliness Together, our investment in research and community initiatives, and our 10-year commitment to help address loneliness in Australia, we're working to create more opportunities for meaningful connection and better health outcomes.
Join the Live Better Connection Challenge
This Loneliness Awareness Week and throughout August, we're encouraging Australians to turn awareness into action through the Live Better Connection Challenge, launching on Monday 3 August.
The challenge invites people to make room for connection at home, work, school or in their community through simple actions that can help strengthen social bonds and create a greater sense of belonging.
Each week, challenge yourself to:

Invite someone for a coffee.
Include a colleague in your lunch plans.
Reconnect with an old friend.
Do your daily walk and invite someone along.
Welcome someone new into a regular activity or group.

These small actions may seem simple, but they can have a meaningful impact. Because connection doesn't always come from big moments - often it's the everyday interactions that help people feel seen, valued and included.
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                                    <author>dianne.wynne@medibank.com.au (Dianne Wynne)</author>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Amplar Health and GemLife partner to deliver personalised healthy ageing program to their residents ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/amplar-health-and-gemlife-partner-to-deliver-personalised-healthy-ageing-program-to-their-residents</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/amplar-health-and-gemlife-partner-to-deliver-personalised-healthy-ageing-program-to-their-residents</guid>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Amplar Health has signed an agreement with GemLife, a leading developer and operator of premium over-50s lifestyle resorts, to roll out its personalised healthy ageing program across GemLife communities]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Amplar Health has signed an agreement with GemLife, a leading developer and operator of premium over-50s lifestyle resorts, to roll out its personalised healthy ageing program across GemLife communities, following the success of a pilot program that delivered encouraging results for residents on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
The 12-week program pilot, conducted in three GemLife communities, demonstrated the value of proactive, preventative healthcare, with 94 per cent of participants making positive progress towards their healthy ageing goals through personalised coaching and tailored healthy ageing plans.
The program empowers residents to take a proactive approach to their health through a comprehensive Healthy Ageing assessment, followed by a personalised plan focused on key lifestyle factors including nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity, social connection and mental wellbeing.
Participants are introduced to a healthy ageing coach who works with them throughout the program to identify their goals, establish practical actions and provide regular check-ins and motivation. Regular coaching sessions enable participants to stay on track, celebrate progress and adapt their plans as their needs evolve.
Under the new agreement, the 12-week program will be offered to eligible residents who move into one of  GemLife’s lifestyle resorts over the next 12 months, opening access to the program to nearly 1,000 over 50s across NSW, VIC and QLD.
The service is delivered through a hybrid model, combining virtual coaching with Healthy Ageing Workshops and other community-based engagement events.  Amplar Health’s coaches are experienced health professionals including registered nurses, exercise physiologists, and physiotherapists.
Amplar Health Group Lead and Chief Executive, Robert Read said the partnership reflects growing demand for proactive healthcare solutions that enable people to continue doing what they love for longer.
&quot;Hearing residents talk about how personalised the experience is has been very rewarding. The program empowers them to focus on what's important to them and gives them practical strategies to make meaningful progress towards their health goals,” Mr Read said.

The pilot demonstrated just how powerful proactive health management can be. By enabling people to make meaningful changes to their nutrition, movement, mental wellbeing and social connection, they were better able to achieve their health and functional goals, which improves their lives.

&quot;Importantly, we're not just giving people the knowledge and tools to make progress over 12-weeks. We can connect residents to additional services if they need them, whether that's mental health services, online GPs or allied health care.”
GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO Adrian Puljich said the partnership further strengthed GemLife's focus on creating environments where residents can remain active, connected and engaged.
&quot;We know many residents are looking for practical ways to maintain their health and wellbeing as they get older. The pilot showed that personalised coaching, combined with clear goals and regular motivation, help people build lasting healthy habits,” Mr Puljich said.
&quot;Expanding the program gives more residents the opportunity to invest in their wellbeing, connect with others and gain knowledge and confidence that will assit them to continue living full and rewarding lives.&quot;
The expanded rollout represents an important step in supporting preventative, personalised healthcare into over-50s communities and empowering older Australians to stay healthier, more engaged and better equipped to improve their health as they age.
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:07:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank partners with Ahead of the Game as AFL launches women and girls’ adaptation]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-teams-up-with-the-afls-ahead-of-the-game</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Medibank has announced its partnership with the AFL’s leading youth mental health and wellbeing program, Ahead of the Game. ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Medibank has announced its partnership with the AFL’s leading youth mental health and wellbeing program, Ahead of the Game.
Ahead of the Game uses community sport as a platform to build mental health literacy, resilience and mental fitness among young people and their communities. Originally developed by Movember, the program has been implemented nationally in football communities by the AFL.
The AFL has funded and led a new adaptation of the original Ahead of the Game program – the Challenge W – building on the success of the Challenge workshop.
As proud partners of the AFLW, Medibank’s support extends to the newly adapted program, The Challenge W, which features content that is meaningful, relevant and relatable to women’s and girls’ experiences in community football.
Medibank Group Medical Director and GP Dr Shona Sundaraj said connection through community sport can play a key role in building mental fitness.
“Being part of a sporting community is about more than physical fitness, it’s an opportunity for young people to connect and feel part of something,” Dr Sundaraj said.
“The Challenge W program places emphasis on team connection and peer support which is so important for young women and girls when facing challenges both on and off the field.

We’re proud to partner with the AFL’s Ahead of the Game program, so that more young players across the country can learn valuable mental fitness skills and grow their knowledge in how to look after their mental heath and wellbeing.

AFL Head of Health and Wellbeing Dr Kate Hall said The Challenge W harnesses the power of team sport for young women and girls to protect and strengthen resilience.
“On behalf of the AFL, we’re thrilled to welcome Medibank as one of the supporting partners of Ahead of the Game,” Dr Hall said.
“The Challenge W was designed with and for young women and girls in our game to help them build practical mental fitness skills, including emotional regulation, problem solving and healthy coping strategies they can use on and off the field, with the support of their team.
“With Medibank’s support, we’ll continue expanding the reach and impact of the Challenge W, helping more women and girls build vital mental fitness skills through community football clubs across Australia.”
The Challenge W programs are delivered by local partners, including AFLW players who have been trained as facilitators, using their positions as role models within the community to share their experience and connect with participants.
St Kilda AFLW players Serene Watson and Olivia Vesely hosted the first pilot session of the adapted Challenge W program at Beaumaris Football Club on Tuesday 23 June.
Learn more about the AFL’s Ahead of the Game program here. 
This article was updated on 15 July 2026
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0930</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Why ahm hosted a conversation about sex]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/why-ahm-hosted-a-conversation-about-sex</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[ ahm partnered with Broadsheet to host "Let's Talk About Sex, Baby" - an intimate evening that brought together 50 guests for an open, expert-led conversation about sex and sexual wellness. ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Sex is one of the most Googled topics on the internet. It's all over social media, threaded through pop culture, and increasingly part of how we talk about health and wellbeing. And yet, for most of us, finding a genuinely informed, stigma-free space to actually talk about it remains surprisingly hard.
That's the gap ahm wanted to do something about.
ahm recently partnered with Broadsheet to host Let's Talk About Sex, Baby - an intimate evening at Melbourne's Hope St Radio bringing together 50 guests for an open, expert-led conversation about sex and sexual wellness. The event was part of ahm's broader What Keeps Us Well campaign, which explores the full picture of what it means to be well - from movement and nutrition to connection, culture, and yes, sex.
The demand was immediate. Over 600 people applied for just 50 spots.
&quot;That waitlist told us everything,&quot; said ahm’s Head of Marketing Samantha McLeod. &quot;People are hungry for this conversation. They just haven't always had a trusted, well-informed space to have it.&quot;
Christina Voss, Commercial Director of Broadsheet Media also said &quot;Partnering with ahm allowed us to create a genuinely safe, warm, and inclusive environment for a conversation that is so often wrapped in taboo. The audience showed up with incredible energy and really proved to us just how important it is to create spaces for open dialogue around sexual wellness.&quot;
The room
Hope St Radio - warm lighting, considered design, the kind of space that puts people at ease - was chosen deliberately. The brief was simple: create an environment that felt intimate, not clinical. Sexy, not salacious. The kind of place where you could ask the question you'd never quite known how to ask.
Sexologist Meg Callender hosted the evening, leading a panel that brought together ahm's Head of Clinical Advisory Aarti Olson who MC’d the night, High Tide co-owner Søren Poulsen, and author Vanessa Muradian, whose book has sparked its own cultural conversation around female pleasure and self-worth.
The conversation
What unfolded was, by every account, exactly what it needed to be - honest, funny, at times confronting, and deeply human.
The panel drew a distinction that reframed the room's thinking early: sexual health is a baseline, sexual wellness is thriving - and most of us aren't at baseline yet. From there, the conversation moved through how our relationship with pleasure is never fixed, but shaped by upbringing, culture, and experience. Crucially, what's been constructed can be rebuilt.
Perhaps the most quietly resonant moment came when mismatched libido was named openly - one of the most common relationship challenges couples face, and one of the least discussed. Running through all of it, one consistent thread: communication is everything.
&quot;This was one of the most refreshing conversations I've been a part of,&quot; said Aarti Olson, ahm's Head of Clinical Advisory. &quot;What struck me was how much people were carrying quietly, which really came out through the questions people asked in our Q&amp;A.”
Guests agreed. In the days following the event, ahm received a wave of thank you notes from attendees. &quot;We absolutely loved our experience,&quot; wrote one guest. Another shared that they &quot;talked all evening about how enjoyable it was - a testament to the speakers and all involved.&quot;
Why ahm
For a health insurance brand, this might seem like unexpected territory. ahm sees it differently.
ahm's new brand platform, People Things, is built on a simple but expansive idea: that the things that keep us well are deeply, fundamentally human. Not always clinical. Not always comfortable. And rarely one-dimensional.  Sexual health and wellness sit squarely within that - touching physical wellbeing, mental health, relationships, and self-care all at once - all areas that sit squarely within what it means to feel well.
The What Keeps Us Well campaign was an expression of that platform in culture – not through advertising, but through genuinly useful, resonant experiences that reflect how people actually live.
In an era where misinformation about sex spreads rapidly online, and where the frank, trusted forums of previous generations - think Dolly Doctor - no longer exist in the same way, there's a real role to play in creating quality, accessible, shame-free conversations.
Let's Talk About Sex, Baby was one evening. But it points to something bigger: a growing appetite among Australians for health content that takes them seriously, meets them where they are, and isn't afraid to go there.
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                                    <author>sharna.rhys-jones@medibank.com.au (Sharna Rhys-Jones)</author>
                                <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank and parkrun celebrate 10-year partnership]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-and-parkrun-celebrate-10-year-partnership</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Medibank and parkrun celebrate 10-year partnership]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Medibank is celebrating its 10-year partnership with parkrun Australia, marking a decade of bringing local communities together every Saturday morning to walk, run, volunteer or spectate while supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
A major partner since 2016 and presenting partner since 2022, Medibank has supported parkrun’s growth to more than 550 locations nationwide with over 1.3 million local participants and 204,000 volunteers.
The impact of the partnership can be seen not only in participation numbers, but in the role parkrun plays in supporting healthier, more connected communities. parkrun is increasingly being recognised as part of ‘social prescribing’ where health care extends beyond clinical treatment to include community-based activities that can help improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Medibank Chief Executive Officer David Koczkar said the long-standing partnership forms a key part of Medibank’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of all people in Australia.
“Our 2030 vision is to deliver the best health and wellbeing experience for Australia, an ambition that is shared with parkrun,” said Mr Koczkar.
“Not only does parkrun create the opportunity for regular movement, it provides a place for people to form meaningful social connections, which play a key role in supporting mental fitness.
“Over the years, we’ve expanded our support for parkrun communities, from rewarding our members for participating in parkrun through Live Better Rewards to offering free health checks as part of our Medibank Live Better van tours, we’re proud of the impact of our work together.”
parkrun Asia Pacific’s Managing Director Renee Gimbert said the partnership had played a significant role in its national growth.
&quot;We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support that Medibank has provided to parkrun Australia over the past 10 years,” said Ms Gimbert.
In that time, we have launched 380 new locations and extended our health and wellbeing impact by introducing parkrun to correctional facilities, military bases and universities.
“Thanks to Medibank's contribution, we launched 40 parkruns in 40 weeks in 2018, kicked off a national parkrun road trip in 2023 and have shared countless stories from people whose lives have been changed by the parkrun community.”
The milestone was celebrated on Saturday 27 June at Curl Curl parkrun where more than 600 participants gathered to enjoy a free breakfast, massages, give-aways and live music, celebrating the role parkrun plays in helping people stay active and connected.
parkrun is a community-led organisation helping more than 1.3 million participants across Australia stay active, connected and energised in the outdoors. Held every Saturday morning at over 550 locations around Australia, parkrun is a free 5km community event that sees up to 100,000 walkers, runners and volunteers participating each week.
Medibank Live Better vans not available at all parkrun locations. View the Medibank vans upcoming visits here.
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                                    <author>sharna.rhys-jones@medibank.com.au (Sharna Rhys-Jones)</author>
                                <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:30:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Canberra mental health hospital delivers game changing results with nation leading model of care  ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/canberra-mental-health-hospital-delivers-game-changing-results-with-nation-leading-model-of-care</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/canberra-mental-health-hospital-delivers-game-changing-results-with-nation-leading-model-of-care</guid>
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                                <description><![CDATA[New data from Deakin Private Hospital confirming it is leading the way nationally in transforming how Australians receive mental health treatment]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[A groundbreaking mental health care model in Canberra is delivering impressive results, with new data from Deakin Private Hospital confirming it is leading the way nationally in transforming how Australians receive mental health treatment.
More than 1,300 patients have now been treated with this innovative model, which focuses on shorter hospital stays combined with intensive, wraparound care in the community. This shift in model is supporting significantly better long-term patient outcomes, prioritising care beyond hospital walls, supporting patients in their homes, alongside their families and communities, where real-life recovery happens.
Traditionally, private mental health readmission rates remain alarmingly high, with over 45% of psychiatric patients readmitted to hospital within 12 months, according to Medibank data.
At Deakin Private Hospital, readmission rates have consistently outperformed this standard, the average readmission rate at Deakin Private Hospital over the past 12 months has been 22%.
Practicing psychiatrist and Medibank Chief Medical Officer Andrew Wilson said the results highlight a critical shift in mental health care delivery. “This is exactly the direction mental health care needs to take in Australia. Shorter hospital stays combined with comprehensive, ongoing support in the home environment leads to better outcomes for patients,” Dr Wilson said.

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in real life—at home, with family, with friends, and within the community. This model recognises that and wraps care around the patient in a way we haven’t seen at scale before. We are seeing patients not only stabilise more effectively but maintain their progress because they are supported where they actually live their lives.

The integrated model combines inpatient care, day programs, telehealth, and in-home clinical support, ensuring continuity of care well beyond discharge. Patients may begin with a short hospital stay before transitioning to structured, high-frequency support at home, including clinician visits and regular virtual check-ins.
Dr Wilson said the model reflects a broader transformation underway across the health system.
“This is part of a much-needed transition in healthcare, moving away from episodic, hospital-centric treatment toward continuous, patient-centred care,” he said.
“For many patients, especially those with trauma-related conditions, being treated at home with the right clinical and practical supports leads to better engagement, better recovery, and ultimately a better quality of life.”
This mental health model is being replicated nationally, with similar approaches implemented at iMH’s other hospitals, Nundah Private Hospital in Brisbane and Hirondelle Private Hospital in Sydney, expanding access to this innovative style of care for more Australians.
With demand for mental health services continuing to rise, the results from Canberra demonstrate a scalable, sustainable model that can re-shape mental health care across the country.
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[On the darkest day of the year, Medibank urges Australians to check in on mental health as it shares six tips to lift your mood  ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/on-the-darkest-day-of-the-year-medibank-urges-australians-to-check-in-on-mental-health-as-it-shares-six-tips-to-lift-your-mood</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Medibank is reminding Australians that low mood, fatigue and social withdrawal are common in winter, and that simple lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[As Australia reaches its winter solstice this weekend – the shortest day and longest night of the year – Medibank is reminding Australians that low mood, fatigue and social withdrawal are common in winter, and that simple lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.
The winter solstice falls on this Saturday 21 June, the point at which Australia experiences its least daylight hours of the year. For many Australians, winter is also the peak of the season’s toll on mood, energy and motivation.
While the ‘winter blues’ is a widely used term, Medibank wants Australians to understand the difference between the ordinary sluggishness that winter can bring and a more serious condition: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a clinically recognised form of depression that fluctuates with the seasons.
Medibank’s Group Medical Director Dr Shona Sundaraj said the winter solstice is a natural moment to pause and check in with yourself and those around you.
&quot;We’re encouraging everyone in Australia to check in on their mental health this weekend. It’s important to understand the difference between a lower winter mood and knowing when to seek help,&quot; Dr Sundaraj said.
“It is not unusual to feel a little unmotivated, sleepier than usual, or drawn to comfort food when the cold sets in. But for some Australians, seasonal changes trigger something more significant.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons.
“SAD is a condition that is well known in the northern hemisphere – where long periods of darkness drive seasonal depression – research has also identified an association between mood, behaviour and seasonal changes in Australia, with the highest prevalence observed in Tasmania.”
Winter blues vs Seasonal Affective Disorder: know the difference
Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms typically begin with persistent lack of energy and fatigue that can start in the late autumn or winter and ease off with the warmer months starting. It can also include:

Sleeping excessively or struggling to wake in the morning
Overeating, particularly cravings for carbohydrates
Unexplained weight gain
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed

Medibank’s six tips to lift your mood this winter
Medibank’s health experts recommend these practical steps to support mood and mental wellbeing through the colder months:
Get moving: Exercise has a direct impact on serotonin levels and sleep quality. Even a yoga session, a swim at an indoor pool, or a stretch at home can shift your mood when heading outside feels unappealing.
Chase the sun: On clear days, get outside. Roll up your sleeves and take a brisk walk to catch winter sunshine and top up vitamin D. Even pottering in the garden or cycling to work can make a difference. Check UV levels via the Bureau of Meteorology or the Cancer Council’s free SunSmart app.
Try guided meditation: Guided meditation apps and mindfulness programs that take as little as 10 minutes. Think of it as a few moments to refocus, rather than a discipline to master.
Ease back on alcohol: Alcohol can worsen low mood. Limiting alcohol intake or trying Dry July could improve sleep, energy and mental clarity.
Eat for your mood: A balanced diet supports mental health. Reach for complex carbohydrates — green vegetables, wholegrains and legumes — which slow sugar absorption and may increase serotonin levels.
Set your body clock: Sleep and mood are tightly linked. Go to bed when you’re tired, wake at a consistent time each morning, and resist the snooze button. Regularity helps ‘set’ your circadian rhythm and builds energy over time.
The science behind the slump
Reduced sunlight in winter is believed to disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm – its internal body clock. Spending more time indoors means less sunlight, which triggers the body to produce more melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin (the mood-regulating hormone). This hormonal shift has been linked to the core symptoms of SAD.
Serotonin is the body’s natural mood stabiliser – controlling feelings of wellbeing and happiness. Reduced serotonin levels are thought to contribute to depression.
When to seek help
If low mood, fatigue or withdrawal persists beyond a few weeks, or significantly affects daily life, it’s important to seek support. A GP is always a good starting point.
Medibank health insurance members have access to 24/7 Mental Health Support – speak with a mental health professional by phone or online, any time of the day or night, at no extra cost. Call 1800 644 325 or chat online.
Medibank’s Mental Health Hub also offers resources, tools and support services to help Australians on their mental health journey. Visit medibank.com.au/mental-health.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact 000 in an emergency or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
]]></content:encoded>
                                    <author>kate.goggins@medibank.com.au (Kate Goggins)</author>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[ahm partners with RISING 2026 ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/ahm-partners-with-rising-2026</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/ahm-partners-with-rising-2026</guid>
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                                <description><![CDATA[ahm is proud to be the major partner of RISING 2026, Melbourne's flagship winter arts, music and culture festival. ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[ahm is proud to be the major partner of RISING 2026, Melbourne's flagship winter arts, music and culture festival.
RISING is a festival built on individuality, creativity and curiosity. Through art, performance, dance and unexpected moments, it invites people to explore what resonates with them – celebrating the many different ways people express themselves and experience wellness. 
At the heart of the partnership is the ahm Oracle – a unique, immersive activation designed to help festivalgoers discover their perfect RISING experience.
Located outside the Arts Centre Melbourne Theatres Building, the ahm Oracle acts as a playful concierge, guiding visitors through intuitive, tarot-style readings. Rather than prescribing a festival itinerary, the Oracle invites people to follow their instincts, offering personalised recommendations based on who they are. Users of the Oracle may also be rewarded with prizes such as event tickets, vouchers to restaurants or mystical readings.
ahm’s Head of Marketing, Samantha McLeod, said the ahm x RISING partnership reflects a shared commitment to champion individuality and remind Australians that there is no single way to feel good – only what feels right for them.
“We’re really excited to partner with RISING because it champions individuality in such a bold and creative way,” said Ms McLeod.
“Some people find joy in late-night gigs, others in quiet installations – and we love that. Our recently launched ‘People Things’ campaign is a nod to those quirks and choices that make each person’s experience completely their own.
“The ahm Oracle is a fun and unexpected way to connect people with the festival. Rather than telling people what they should see, it invites them to follow their intuition – making the experience feel more meaningful, more personal and ultimately more enjoyable.”
RISING Brand and Commercial Director Nicole Smith says, “Art and wellbeing have more in common than people think – both are deeply personal, and neither comes with a rulebook. ahm gets that. A festival like RISING can feel overwhelming, there’s so much on offer, it’s hard to know where to start. Rather than adding to that noise, our partnership with ahm is about stripping back the jargon and meeting people where they are. The ahm Oracle is the perfect expression of that – a cosmic nudge to find your way in.”
To extend the experience beyond the physical activation, ahm is also launching the digital ahm Oracle. This short, intuitive quiz allows audiences to explore their ideal RISING experience ahead of the festival, based on who they are, rather than what they think they should choose.
Location of ahm Oracle:
Arts Centre Melbourne, Theatres Building. 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004.
Dates:
Thursday 28 May – Sunday 7 June 2026
Times:
Thu 4 June – Fri 5 June 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Sat 6 June 1pm – 8:00pm
Sun 7 June 2:00pm – 6:00pm
]]></content:encoded>
                                    <author>sharna.rhys-jones@medibank.com.au (Sharna Rhys-Jones)</author>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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