Australia’s largest private hospital operator has announced it will close 17 of its 20 psychology clinics, further limiting access to mental health services across the country.
Ramsay Health Care said the clinics would be closed by the end of August to create a “more flexible and sustainable model” of mental health care.
Six clinics in Queensland would close, five in metropolitan NSW, four in Melbourne and two in Western Australia, the ABC reported.
Ramsay, also the country’s largest single provider of psychology services, said there would be no change to inpatient mental health services at their facilities.
“We are working closely with our psychologists to ensure every client is supported and has continuity of care,” the company said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Health Minister Mark Butler said Ramsay’s intention was to transition to virtual clinics, “not to cease outpatient psychology services altogether”.
“Importantly, it is our understanding that patients will still have access to the psychology services they need through virtual care,” they said.
Clinics in Cairns, Charlestown in NSW and Joondalup in WA will remain open.
With AAP
