Australia’s largest private hospital operator, Ramsay Health Care, is set to close 17 of its 20 psychology clinics across the country within weeks, leaving thousands of vulnerable patients facing the prospect of being left without crucial care.
In a staff meeting earlier this month, Ramsay Health Care revealed that it would shut down the majority of its psychology clinics, citing “rising costs, uneven demand and operational complexity” as the reasons behind the decision.
One psychologist who works for Ramsay Health Care, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed deep concern about the impact on patient care, stating that patients who are not retained by their current psychologist in a new practice, or picked up by another clinician, would have to find alternative care.
Vulnerable Clients Left in Limbo
The psychologist warned that vulnerable clients may be left in limbo, saying “clients are being left in limbo because they potentially are going to have to wait a month or two to see their regular psychologist if they are continuing on somewhere else, or they’re going to have to start all over again.”
The closures will affect clinics in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia, with only three clinics remaining open in Cairns, Charlestown, and Joondalup.
Ramsay Health Care Commits to Mental Health Support
In a briefing note sent to staff, Ramsay Health Care stated that it was “not stepping away from mental health care” and remained committed to supporting high-quality, accessible services, whether in hospitals, in communities or online.
The provider is exploring the merits of expanding its existing psychology telehealth services, which may help alleviate some of the pressure on the public system.
Expert Warns of Pressure on Public System
Prominent psychiatrist Patrick McGorry warned that the clinic closures would increase pressure on the public system, stating that “we already have this access problem, with only 50 per cent of people who have a need for mental health care able to access it at all, and often after long delays.”
The Albanese government has encouraged Ramsay Health Care to communicate clearly with patients about what care options are available to them, while also looking at options to reform mental health services in private hospitals and bolster the public sector.