South Pacific Private

Turned away during the intake call because I am looking at cancer treatment. Even though the surgery was happening completely separately to the expected time there. Day surgery, back home same day. They suggested other facilities that they thought might be better for someone like me. I've had so many more positive experiences from other facilities since then. Accepting me, not spurning me because I didn't conform to an "ideal" type of applicant. So what, maybe I will die of cancer.... was surprised that was an argument with South Pacific Private to not help me with my drinking. 24-4-26 I note your comment on my review of 23-4-26 (I can't comment on your individual reviews, because of the way the reviews are set up). I feel like your representative that I spoke to at the time gave me ample opportunity to talk through my concerns at the time, I do not have an issue on this point. They used the phrase "someone like you" someone who has cancer I took this to mean 6 or 7 times, from my notes. If the call was recorded, you can review it. I took it as someone you don't want there, which was reinforced by my rejected application. I am talking to the facilities your organisation recommended... for someone like me. As you advised, they seem willing to take someone like me. Someone with cancer. Who also can't control a substance that hurts them and people around them. Thankyou for your response.

Being admitted to SPP was life changing. Full credit to the nurses, therapists, counsellors and kitchen crew. I had a great experience, and can thoroughly recommend it for anyone going through tough times. A special shout out to Cat and Nicola. You have changed my life. Sincerely, Martin

I couldn't reccommend this place enough, truly transforming experience.

My first experience at SPP was amazing in 2022. Met amazing people and the experience was life changing. Unfortunately I relapsed and went back in October 2025. The amount of patients that just left the facility day and night at free will with zero consequences was insane to me. An individual that after informing staff of his behaviour in the hospital and lack of respect for the rules and I was practically forced to have a 1 on 1 as my reality to tell him my feelings after informing my therapist of my fears of what the consequences for me would be that backfired and I was made to feel like an outcast after that person then went and told everyone even when it was meant to be confidential then intimated me and made me uncomfortable in the time I was there with zero consequences. Vaping, zero confidentiality, people just not turning up to lectures that are supposed to be compulsory with zero accountability. Staff have lost control of patients and Do not talk the talk to their so called policies. Very disappointing 2nd time round and would not recommend. Women are treated completely different in the way they are aloud to dress being constantly called up for shorts or single tops while men are allowed to wear whatever they won’t and show their bits with zero consequences. Men can abuse woman verbally and get away with it and are even given privileges (private rooms). My friend was verbally abused by a man in front of staff and patients and ultimately she had to leave as staff and management did nothing for her while this man was protected for his constant appalling behaviour while in group and the community. Woman are treated completely different to the men and they are allowed by management to get away with the most vile behaviour while the woman have to put as victim. Staff not turning up on time for walks which for most people following the rules is the only outlet to some freedom and fresh air .

This program saved my life and showed me that no matter what I had been through in my past, recovery from complex trauma is possible!!

Despite many positive interactions with the staff at SPP, I am writing because I had experiences during my stay that caused me serious concern regarding my privacy and data. Specifically, my room was entered and searched daily, and biological samples taken from me were not accounted for on multiple occasions. When I reported these issues to administration, I was told that no staff had conducted such searches. Despite this, I was drug-tested twice and referred to a psychiatrist, which I found distressing and unrelated to the concerns I was trying to raise. Changes to procedure, such as not handling medicine by hand—even though it was provided sealed—left me feeling shameful. On several occasions, information I had not shared with anyone seemed to have been referenced. Additionally, when sharing about the family program, I noticed that my possessions had been searched, with a paper folded. At the same time, I received a call from a staff member leaving a message asking to check in after the experience, which felt strange because I had not yet finished. After becoming aware of the discrepancy in information being shared or discussed, the next time I attended, the day program manager, upon seeing me enter reception, left the area with a real sense of urgency. This left me feeling confused, saddened and shameful. At no point was I ever provided with an opportunity to clarify, or understand these reactions and changes in policy, because I experienced none of these when I came previously in 2022. I am also aware of law enforcement activity related to my situation, though I cannot provide further details at this time. I am not able to go into more specifics here, but these events left me extremely uncomfortable. I hope SPP will review these matters properly.

It’s been almost three years since my journey with SPP. When I walked through their doors, I was exhausted. I’d spent years carrying trauma I didn’t know how to face, and honestly, I didn’t believe healing was possible for me. I was surviving, not living, just getting through each day, barely holding it together. But when I entered those doors, something shifted. For the first time, I felt safe. I felt seen. Their holistic approach to trauma didn’t just focus on the surface-level symptoms, it got to the root of what I’d been carrying my whole life. The therapists and staff held space for me in a way I’d never experienced before. They gently guided me through the darkest parts of myself and showed me that healing is not only possible, but something I deserve. They didn’t just help me survive, they gave me the tools to truly live. They helped me lay a foundation strong enough to build a future on, one that I now continue to grow and shape with the skills and self-awareness they nurtured in me. In addition to the wonderful staff, I met some incredibly resilient and kind human beings going through this program alongside me. You learn to be vulnerable with complete strangers and watch people you have known for such a short time carry such a large amount of compassion for everyone in there while they are also working through their own pain. It’s so easy to disconnect in the real world and forget we are all just doing the best we can with what life has given us. It’s not a quick fix, recovery never is, but SPP genuinely gave me the start I desperately needed to begin truly having a good quality of life. I’m not just surviving anymore. I’m growing, healing, and finding real peace. I could not recommend this program more.

Attending South Pacific Private was truly a life changing experience. Throughout, I felt supported, cared for, and understood. The amazing nursing staff went above and beyond every single day, providing care that made me feel safe throughout my stay. The therapists were remarkable, their insight and guidance helped me work through challenges I never thought I’d be able to face. A special mention goes to Ed (the chef) whose incredible meals brightened each day. South Pacific Private gave me the tools, support, and environment I needed to begin a new chapter in my life, and I will always be deeply grateful. If you’re considering seeking help, I highly recommend this place.