URGENT UPDATE: Australia’s largest private hospital operator, Ramsay Health Care, has just announced it will close the majority of its mental health clinics, raising immediate concerns about access to essential services for patients. By the end of August 2024, 17 out of 20 psychology clinics nationwide will be shut down, as the company shifts to what it describes as a “more flexible and sustainable model” of mental health care.
The decision comes amid alarming new data from the National Mental Health Commission, revealing that 24.6% of individuals are now delaying or forgoing mental health treatment due to financial constraints—an increase from just 12% in 2020/21. This surge highlights a growing crisis as financial stress increasingly contributes to mental health issues. The report indicates that the percentage of people struggling to cope with their income has doubled to 34% since November 2020.
According to Ramsay Health Care, clinics in Cairns, Charlestown (NSW), and Joondalup (WA) will remain operational, but the closures of the remaining clinics are expected to leave many without critical support. The company reassured the public that there will be no changes to inpatient mental health services, stating, “We are working closely with our psychologists to ensure every client is supported and has continuity of care.”
The implications of these closures are profound as more Australians find themselves unable to seek help. Opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston criticized the government for cutting Medicare mental health funding in half, arguing that the Albanese government has failed to prioritize mental health and suicide prevention over the last three years.
With mental health becoming a national crisis, the calls for the federal government to intervene and make mental health a “national priority” are intensifying. Health Minister Mark Butler and Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride have been approached for comments regarding this urgent situation.
As this story develops, the focus remains on how these closures will affect access to mental health services across Australia, particularly for those already struggling with financial pressures. The need for immediate action is clear as more individuals face the daunting challenge of prioritizing their mental health in these tough economic times. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue.
