Clinical staff at Brisbane's Barrett Adolescent Centre had significant concerns about the former state government's decision to close the youth mental health facility in early 2014, an inquiry has been told.

Key points: The Barrett Adolescent Centre was shut down in early 2014 by the former LNP government

The Barrett Adolescent Centre was shut down in early 2014 by the former LNP government It was Queensland's only residential complex for adolescents

It was Queensland's only residential complex for adolescents Three former patients died in the following eight months

Three former patients died in the following eight months Inquiry hearings set to run for four weeks

An inquiry into the closure decision has been told that in May 2013, the West Moreton Hospital and Health Board recognised the facility was no longer adequate, but that there was no alternative for high-risk youth if the centre was closed.

Counsel assisting the inquiry Paul Freeburn QC told today's hearing documents uncovered by the inquiry suggested there should have been a more detailed analysis before the decision was taken and that those involved seemed to be more interested in clinical buzz words.

"The decision in this case … seems to be based on short-hand expressions [such as 'contemporary models of care']," he said.

Within eight months of the centre's closure, three former patients — Will Fowell, Caitlin Wilkinson and Talieha Nebauer — had died.

The Barrett Centre was the only long-term residential unit for adolescents suffering severe and complex mental illness.

The Barrett Adolescent Centre Commission of Inquiry will examine the reasons for the closure and the care and support provided for former patients, their families and staff.

Mental Health Commissioner cannot reverse closure decision

Queensland's first Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck told the hearing there was nothing she could do to reverse the decision to close the centre.

She added that she received verbal assurances from senior Queensland Health officials that well-resourced care plans were in place for each of the patients.

However, under questioning from counsel assisting the inquiry Paul Freeburn QC, Dr van Schoubroeck admitted she had not seen the care plans.

Mr Freeburn went on to suggest that her relationship with the Government was too close.

"The point I'm making is: ordinary members of the community looking at this situation might be concerned that your consultation with Queensland Health is close and trusting ... and your relationship and consultation with the community is less close and less trusting," he said.

But Dr van Schoubroeck rejected the suggestion, saying she did not want to give the community the impression that she could overturn the decision to close the centre.

Dr van Schoubroeck was appointed as Mental Health Commissioner in July 2013 - six months before the Barrett Centre closed.

Dr David Ward, who worked at the Barrett Centre for eight years, said residential facilities were becoming more important because of the rise of mental health issues among young people.

"It seems to me there is a trend where the mental health issues are occurring at an earlier and earlier age [and] becoming more entrenched at an earlier age, thereby making it more difficult to treat," he told the inquiry.

More than 45 witnesses are expected to give evidence during the hearings, which are set to run for four weeks.

Two days of hearings will be in a closed court because of concerns about the sensitive nature of the inquiry.

Commissioner Margaret Wilson QC will hear evidence from parents, staff and health bureaucrats as well as former health minister and now Opposition leader Lawrence Springborg.

The inquiry was a Labor election promise, given the day after the ABC's 7.30 Queensland program revealed government documents had warned of the potential risk of death and need for alternate care options if the centre, which was located at Wacol in Brisbane's west, was closed.

The building was earmarked for replacement by the previous Labor administration, which had allocated $16 million to relocate it near Redland Hospital, but it struck problems including environmental issues.

The plan was axed under the LNP government.

Queensland Health said the model of care at Barrett was outdated and community based services would allow young people to be treated closer to home.

It promised that appropriate replacement services would be available.