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Ramsay Clinic Rockhampton celebrates a decade of supporting the mental wellbeing of Central Queenslanders

Mar 01, 2022

Ramsay Clinic Rockhampton is this month celebrating 10 years of helping Central Queensland residents, having doubled in size in the last decade to support the mental health of locals.

As part of the Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital campus, Ramsay Clinic Rockhampton offers comprehensive care for people affected by a range of mental health conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.

One in five Australians experience a common mental health disorder each year, however it is well-documented that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the prevalence of these conditions.

Psychiatrist Dr Peter Rofe has been consulting at the Ramsay Clinic since it opened in 2012 and said now, more than ever, mental health services in regional and rural Australia are essential.

“There has been an increase in demand for mental health services in this region over the past 10 years,” Dr Rofe said.

“Depressive illness, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorder and bipolar mood disorder are the main disorders I see through my practice.

“In my opinion, there are some significant differences for people living in rural areas. Of course, while the major disorders of depression, anxiety, alcoholism, substance abuse and relationship difficulties are common to both, one cannot underestimate the effects of drought, isolation and financial hardship in rural communities.

“The Ramsay Clinic is the only private psychiatric facility between Cairns and the Sunshine Coast. This means people in Central Queensland can be treated locally, and family and relatives can visit without having to travel to Brisbane.” 

Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital CEO, Fiona Hebbard, said the clinic had grown over time to meet demand.

“When we opened in 2012, we had 12 beds and three Psychiatrists. We now have 24 private rooms, day program facilities, larger group rooms and six Psychiatrists supported by a specialist team of nurses, psychologists and other allied health professionals,” Ms Hebbard said.

“We offer the best available, evidence-based psychiatric and psychological treatments to help Central Queensland residents improve or manage their mental wellbeing.

“We look forward to supporting the local community for many more years to come.”

Ramsay Health Care has been committed to providing world-class standards of care for people affected by mental illness since 1964. It treats more than 70,000 mental health patients in Australia each year, and partners with 370 visiting psychiatrists.