Key contactsNurse Unit Manager PhoneJamie Wann 4646 6182

Psychology Clinic ServicesOne on One Psychology ConsultationsJulie Martin, Clinical Psychologist 4646 3014

Group Based Therapy Programs Bookings 4646 3014

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ClinicReferrals and bookings 4646 6182

Visiting Medical OfficersPsychiatristsDr Henry Aghanwa 4634 0038

Dr Snezana Alempijevic 4613 0922

Dr Joanne Barkla 4659 7244

Dr Andrea Boros-Lavack 4613 0922

Dr Hardus Cronje 4632 1949

Dr Ashar Imam 4602 0460

Dr Ponni Palaniappan 4613 0922

Dr Venu Venugopalan 4634 0038

280 North Street, Toowoomba, Qld 4350

Telephone: (07) 4646 3000

Facsimile: (07) 4633 4059

www.sath.org.au

Jamie Wann, Nurse Unit Manager Julie Martin, Clinical Psychologist

The project has been underway for just over a year, and construction will be completed by the end of March, 2019.

The purpose-built 20 bed facility will offer patients a range of services including individual and group based therapies targeted at improving an individual’s quality of life and recovery from mental health concerns. Staffed by Visiting Doctors, experienced Psychologists and Mental Health Nurses, the facility aims to provide an environment that is supportive, confidential and therapeutic.

Inpatients are provided with evidence based/recovery focused care and treatment. This is provided by a multi-disciplinary team of specialised Mental Health Nurses, Psychologists, Allied Health Professionals and a Psychiatric Registrar with treating Psychiatrists taking the lead. Patient’s needs and goals are the central focus of care, with loved ones involvement and participation encouraged throughout the patient’s journey.

The newly constructed facility will see a range of new services introduced, including an advanced treatment for depression called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Please see in the coming pages of this Mental Health Update the details of this innovative treatment. St Andrew’s is the first Hospital in the Darling Downs to offer this treatment to its inpatients and outpatients.

In addition, the Hospital’s Psychology Clinic will also be expanding its services. The Clinic will now offer clients access to a highly qualified Clinical Psychologist, Julie Martin for one on one consultations, along with access to a range of group therapy programs. The group therapy programs offered are on topics such as managing stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills.

For more information on the Psychology Clinic and Mental Health Services offered at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital, please call telephone 4646 3014 or go to www.sath.org.au.

mental health update

A Word from the CEORay Fairweather

I am pleased to announce St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital’s new Mental Health facility, offering the latest in equipment, facilities and clinical support, is nearing completion.

Artist impression of the soon to be completed Mental Health facility at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital

Building Stronger Mental Health for the

Toowoomba and Darling Downs Community

Psychology Clinic Expands its ServicesThe St Andrew’s Hospital Psychology Clinic offers a range of support programs, group based therapies and individual psychology consultations aimed at improving an individual’s quality of life and recovery from mental health concerns.

Staffed by experienced Psychologists and Mental Health Nurses, the Psychology Clinic aims to provide an environment that is supportive, confidential and therapeutic.

Group Based Therapy Programs

The range of group programs available through the St Andrew’s Psychology Clinic are designed to complement the individual treatment that patients may be receiving from their General Practitioner or Psychiatrist.

Several programs are based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be highly effective in the management of depression, anxiety and self esteem. These groups are centred on shifting the way people think and act, improve general day to day function, self worth and confidence. They teach participants how to commit to change for a more meaningful and fulfilling life and how to function more confidently.

Conducted one day a week over the course of six weeks, programs start each day at 9:00am until 2:30pm with morning tea and lunch provided.

The programs are run continually throughout the year and attendance at the groups is typically covered by private health funds, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and WorkCover.

In addition, the Clinic now offers programs based on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Training, which have proven to be effective for people who may have:

• difficulty regulating their emotions;

• a history of complex trauma;

• a borderline personality disorder; or

• behaviours associated with impulse control including self-injury and binge eating.

The DBT Skills Training aims to improve the lives of participants by building four core areas. These are Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation Skills.

This training is conducted over a 24 week period, one morning per week. Two specially trained therapists conduct the small group of up to 10 participants per session.

Individual Psychology Consultations

One on one Psychology Consultations are now available with Julie Martin, our onsite Clinical Psychologist. Julie has experience working with people across the life span and from diverse cultural backgrounds with a range of presenting problems including anxiety and mood disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, developmental and behavioural disorders.

The consultation service provides appointments for psychological assessment and therapy. Medicare rebates may be available to individuals referred by their General Practitioner, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician.

To refer patients to a Group Therapy Program or an individual Psychology Consultation please telephone 4646 3014, fax a referral to 4646 3097 or email psychologyclinic@sath.org.au.

New Treatment for Depression The St Andrew’s Mental Health facility has recently purchased new equipment to provide patients with an advanced treatment for depression called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is a mild form of brain stimulation and can be useful for patients who have not responded positively to antidepressant medication.

The therapy involves the use of very short pulses of magnetic energy to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The short pulses of energy produced by the TMS system are generated by a simple coil which is placed next to the patient’s head aimed at the structures in the brain that regulates mood and emotional response.

While receiving stimulation the patient is fully awake, as there is no anaesthetic and memory is not affected. TMS is not painful and is usually well tolerated with minimal side effects.

Key Benefits

TMS offers patients who have not had a positive experience with antidepressants an alternative, non-invasive therapy.

Research has shown:

• In a 2012 study led by Linda Carpenter of Brown University, Massachusetts on TMS success rates, it was reported that 58% of TMS patients participating in the study had a significant reduction in depressive symptoms;

• The same study indicated 37% of TMS patients experienced a complete remission of their major depressive disorder;

• TMS is more effective than antidepressants alone;

• Reviews from patients from several clinical studies support that TMS is an appropriate and mild method to treat severe or treatment-resistant depression.

Treatment Regime and Cost

A standard course of TMS consists of 20 sessions over four weeks (five days a week from Monday to Friday). Each treatment session takes roughly 15-40 minutes.

Patients access the TMS service in a private, safe and comfortable environment within the St Andrew’s TMS Clinic. Patients are seated in a recliner chair and can relax through the treatment or watch television.

The treatment is overseen by accredited Psychiatrists and Mental Health Nurses who have been specially trained in the application of this treatment. Patients are able to resume normal activities after each session and can safely drive themselves home.

There are several potential side effects that may be experienced during an TMS procedure, however these are usually minor, such as a slight headache or neck pain.

The TMS service is available for inpatients as part of their treatment program and is covered by the patient’s private health insurance.

TMS is also available in an outpatient capacity at a cost of $180 per treatment. Selected private health funds, such as Medibank Private and Department of Veterans’ Affairs may rebate a percentage of this payment for outpatients.

How to Refer Patients

The TMS clinic accepts referrals from Psychiatrists and General Practitioners who are familiar with the patient’s clinical history and have the ability to monitor the patient’s mental health and provide ongoing care while the patient is undergoing TMS.

Referrers will be provided with regular updates on the progress of their patients from the supervising Psychiatrist.

Referring doctors can request a consult over the telephone with a Specialist from our clinic to determine the suitability and eligibility of their patient for TMS. Referring doctors can also request a referral cover form from the clinic via fax or email.

To refer to the TMS service, please contact Nurse Unit Manager, Jamie Wann on telephone 4646 6182, fax a referral to 4646 3097 or email tmsclinic@sath.org.au.

Clinical Psychologist Julie Martin supports clients with one on one consultations and leads group therapy sessions at St Andrew’s Hospital.

Mental Health Update

Nurse Manager, Jamie Wann positioning the TMS coil for the patient.

Group Therapy Programs Now Available on:

• Anxiety Management

• Depression Management

• Self Esteem Management

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Skills

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

• Wellness Groups

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Psychology Clinic Expands its ServicesThe St Andrew’s Hospital Psychology Clinic offers a range of support programs, group based therapies and individual psychology consultations aimed at improving an individual’s quality of life and recovery from mental health concerns.

Staffed by experienced Psychologists and Mental Health Nurses, the Psychology Clinic aims to provide an environment that is supportive, confidential and therapeutic.

Group Based Therapy Programs

The range of group programs available through the St Andrew’s Psychology Clinic are designed to complement the individual treatment that patients may be receiving from their General Practitioner or Psychiatrist.

Several programs are based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be highly effective in the management of depression, anxiety and self esteem. These groups are centred on shifting the way people think and act, improve general day to day function, self worth and confidence. They teach participants how to commit to change for a more meaningful and fulfilling life and how to function more confidently.

Conducted one day a week over the course of six weeks, programs start each day at 9:00am until 2:30pm with morning tea and lunch provided.

The programs are run continually throughout the year and attendance at the groups is typically covered by private health funds, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and WorkCover.

In addition, the Clinic now offers programs based on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Training, which have proven to be effective for people who may have:

• difficulty regulating their emotions;

• a history of complex trauma;

• a borderline personality disorder; or

• behaviours associated with impulse control including self-injury and binge eating.

The DBT Skills Training aims to improve the lives of participants by building four core areas. These are Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation Skills.

This training is conducted over a 24 week period, one morning per week. Two specially trained therapists conduct the small group of up to 10 participants per session.

Individual Psychology Consultations

One on one Psychology Consultations are now available with Julie Martin, our onsite Clinical Psychologist. Julie has experience working with people across the life span and from diverse cultural backgrounds with a range of presenting problems including anxiety and mood disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, developmental and behavioural disorders.

The consultation service provides appointments for psychological assessment and therapy. Medicare rebates may be available to individuals referred by their General Practitioner, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician.

To refer patients to a Group Therapy Program or an individual Psychology Consultation please telephone 4646 3014, fax a referral to 4646 3097 or email psychologyclinic@sath.org.au.

New Treatment for Depression The St Andrew’s Mental Health facility has recently purchased new equipment to provide patients with an advanced treatment for depression called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is a mild form of brain stimulation and can be useful for patients who have not responded positively to antidepressant medication.

The therapy involves the use of very short pulses of magnetic energy to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The short pulses of energy produced by the TMS system are generated by a simple coil which is placed next to the patient’s head aimed at the structures in the brain that regulates mood and emotional response.

While receiving stimulation the patient is fully awake, as there is no anaesthetic and memory is not affected. TMS is not painful and is usually well tolerated with minimal side effects.

Key Benefits

TMS offers patients who have not had a positive experience with antidepressants an alternative, non-invasive therapy.

Research has shown:

• In a 2012 study led by Linda Carpenter of Brown University, Massachusetts on TMS success rates, it was reported that 58% of TMS patients participating in the study had a significant reduction in depressive symptoms;

• The same study indicated 37% of TMS patients experienced a complete remission of their major depressive disorder;

• TMS is more effective than antidepressants alone;

• Reviews from patients from several clinical studies support that TMS is an appropriate and mild method to treat severe or treatment-resistant depression.

Treatment Regime and Cost

A standard course of TMS consists of 20 sessions over four weeks (five days a week from Monday to Friday). Each treatment session takes roughly 15-40 minutes.

Patients access the TMS service in a private, safe and comfortable environment within the St Andrew’s TMS Clinic. Patients are seated in a recliner chair and can relax through the treatment or watch television.

The treatment is overseen by accredited Psychiatrists and Mental Health Nurses who have been specially trained in the application of this treatment. Patients are able to resume normal activities after each session and can safely drive themselves home.

There are several potential side effects that may be experienced during an TMS procedure, however these are usually minor, such as a slight headache or neck pain.

The TMS service is available for inpatients as part of their treatment program and is covered by the patient’s private health insurance.

TMS is also available in an outpatient capacity at a cost of $180 per treatment. Selected private health funds, such as Medibank Private and Department of Veterans’ Affairs may rebate a percentage of this payment for outpatients.

How to Refer Patients

The TMS clinic accepts referrals from Psychiatrists and General Practitioners who are familiar with the patient’s clinical history and have the ability to monitor the patient’s mental health and provide ongoing care while the patient is undergoing TMS.

Referrers will be provided with regular updates on the progress of their patients from the supervising Psychiatrist.

Referring doctors can request a consult over the telephone with a Specialist from our clinic to determine the suitability and eligibility of their patient for TMS. Referring doctors can also request a referral cover form from the clinic via fax or email.

To refer to the TMS service, please contact Nurse Unit Manager, Jamie Wann on telephone 4646 6182, fax a referral to 4646 3097 or email tmsclinic@sath.org.au.

Clinical Psychologist Julie Martin supports clients with one on one consultations and leads group therapy sessions at St Andrew’s Hospital.

Mental Health Update

Nurse Manager, Jamie Wann positioning the TMS coil for the patient.

Group Therapy Programs Now Available on:

• Anxiety Management

• Depression Management

• Self Esteem Management

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Skills

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

• Wellness Groups

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Key contactsNurse Unit Manager PhoneJamie Wann 4646 6182

Psychology Clinic ServicesOne on One Psychology ConsultationsJulie Martin, Clinical Psychologist 4646 3014

Group Based Therapy Programs Bookings 4646 3014

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ClinicReferrals and bookings 4646 6182

Visiting Medical OfficersPsychiatristsDr Henry Aghanwa 4634 0038

Dr Snezana Alempijevic 4613 0922

Dr Joanne Barkla 4659 7244

Dr Andrea Boros-Lavack 4613 0922

Dr Hardus Cronje 4632 1949

Dr Ashar Imam 4602 0460

Dr Ponni Palaniappan 4613 0922

Dr Venu Venugopalan 4634 0038

280 North Street, Toowoomba, Qld 4350

Telephone: (07) 4646 3000

Facsimile: (07) 4633 4059

www.sath.org.au

Jamie Wann, Nurse Unit Manager Julie Martin, Clinical Psychologist

The project has been underway for just over a year, and construction will be completed by the end of March, 2019.

The purpose-built 20 bed facility will offer patients a range of services including individual and group based therapies targeted at improving an individual’s quality of life and recovery from mental health concerns. Staffed by Visiting Doctors, experienced Psychologists and Mental Health Nurses, the facility aims to provide an environment that is supportive, confidential and therapeutic.

Inpatients are provided with evidence based/recovery focused care and treatment. This is provided by a multi-disciplinary team of specialised Mental Health Nurses, Psychologists, Allied Health Professionals and a Psychiatric Registrar with treating Psychiatrists taking the lead. Patient’s needs and goals are the central focus of care, with loved ones involvement and participation encouraged throughout the patient’s journey.

The newly constructed facility will see a range of new services introduced, including an advanced treatment for depression called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Please see in the coming pages of this Mental Health Update the details of this innovative treatment. St Andrew’s is the first Hospital in the Darling Downs to offer this treatment to its inpatients and outpatients.

In addition, the Hospital’s Psychology Clinic will also be expanding its services. The Clinic will now offer clients access to a highly qualified Clinical Psychologist, Julie Martin for one on one consultations, along with access to a range of group therapy programs. The group therapy programs offered are on topics such as managing stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills.

For more information on the Psychology Clinic and Mental Health Services offered at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital, please call telephone 4646 3014 or go to www.sath.org.au.

mental health update

A Word from the CEORay Fairweather

I am pleased to announce St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital’s new Mental Health facility, offering the latest in equipment, facilities and clinical support, is nearing completion.

Artist impression of the soon to be completed Mental Health facility at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital

Building Stronger Mental Health for the

Toowoomba and Darling Downs Community