More access for people requiring mental health

In a first for Waratah Private Hospital, people now have access to leading private mental health services for in- and outpatient care.

Investing $5m in the dedicated two-level private mental health service, Evolution Healthcare today opens the doors to Re-centre at Waratah Private Hospital for the Hurstville and Southwest Sydney community.

Sue Channon, Chief Executive Officer, Evolution Healthcare, said, “Evolution Healthcare has a strong commitment to providing mental health services for our communities having been responsible for the development of the South Coast Mental Unit in the past. We want to see people living their best lives, and with our proven mental health pathways, we are on track to provide the care to do just that.”

“Our first day opening to the public has seen us welcome many people for inpatient stay for mental health support. We look forward to supporting these people on there journeyto improved mental health through our services,” says Ms Channon.

With a whole level dedicated to the inpatient stay, Re-centre at Waratah can accommodate up to 31 people at any given time. Re-centre’s team delivers expert psychiatric and psychological care, multidisciplinary services, one-on-one therapy, and group courses on a separate dedicated floor.

Joining Waratah Private Hospital as General manager in July 2020, Jason Penberthy brings extensive knowledge and management of comprehensive hospital facilities including his previous role as CEO of Toronto Private Hospital, NSW, and an executive at exec at Maitland Private. Both hospitals known for their inpatient units, and mental health day services, Mr Penberthy is well versed in operating a successful mental health program and caring for the needs of the community.

Managing the development of Re-centre at Waratah alongside Evolution’s development team, Jason welcomes the services now being offered over the two levels of the hospital.

“Waratah Private Hospital has a long-standing history of providing exceptional comprehensive care within our world-class facilities. We utilise our services to best support people in our care in all areas of their health from rehabilitation, acute medical, surgical, and now mental health, Waratah Private is your go-to hospital in Hurstville and the surrounding communities,” says Mr Penberthy.

In a representative study of Covid-19 health impacts in NSW, findings indicate that one in ten people were diagnosed with a new mental health issue during 2020. In addition, the Mental Health Commission of New South Wales study noted that most people were experiencing negative impacts from their way of life through their mental health.

“Our mental health facility offers expert-led day and inpatient stay programs which further enhance our ability to help many people across a range of mental health experiences. From eating disorders, anxiety, depression and mood, addictions, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and more, programs are all designed and led by mental health clinicians who are leaders in their specialties,” says Mr Penberthy. Whilst Re-centre does not provide emergency or crisis care; there are many resources available for people to utilise. Re-centre at Waratah encourages those or their loved ones experiencing distress or who are in immediate danger to contact 000.