Toowong Private Hospital, the preeminent institution for psychiatric treatment in the country, is shuttering its buildings. This humanitarian decision would result in about 3,000 patients losing access to critical care each year. The hospital created national protocols for treatments such as intravenous ketamine for inpatients dealing with extreme depression. Yet it has now fallen victim to the fiscal axe and a lack of admitting psychiatrists. This closure only underscores a more pervasive, disturbing trend in our national mental health care system. Specialists prefer private clinics more and more because they are more lucrative than hospitals.
Dr. Josh Geffen is a psychiatrist and director of Toowong Private Hospital. After 25 years of commitment, he’s now bracing himself for the hospital’s soon-to-be announced closure. As he packs up his office, he reflects on the significant repercussions for patients who depend on this facility for their mental health needs. The hospital’s closure signifies more than just a loss of a healthcare institution; it raises concerns about the future of mental health services in Queensland.
Factors Leading to Closure
The reduction in admitting psychiatrists at Toowong Private Hospital is a symptom of a far more serious problem. This concerning trend is one that has been felt in many facilities across Australia. The move to increase private clinics has resulted in fewer specialists working in hospitals. Consequently, Toowong now is threatening with an unacceptable fiscal cliff. The hospital has been hit with increased pressure as health insurance companies have posted record profits while starving hospitals of needed revenue.
Brett Heffernan, a mental health and advocacy professional, condemned the privatized world of mental healthcare wrought by the private insurance industry.
“Over the last three years, the private health insurance industry has been engaged in rapacious profiteering,” – Brett Heffernan
He pointed out that these companies have earned more than $2 billion in profits. Yet at the same time, they’ve shortchanged hospitals by more than a billion dollars a year. This imbalance has forced institutions such as Toowong to tighten their belts and hunker down to weather damaging impacts to their vital services.
Just days before the hospital is set to close, patients such as Kerrie Czernia share their concerns and fears of having to make that transition. Admitted four times to Toowong Private Hospital, she describes it as a life-saver.
“There is that worry, there’s that anxiety, stress, you know, where are we going [now]? What are we going to be given?” – Kerrie Czernia
An emotional cure Patients worry about losing access to the specialized care they need, underscoring the human impact of such a radical shift.
Impact on Patients
For individuals like Cain Chambers, who battles PTSD and depression stemming from traumatic experiences during his time in the army, Toowong Private Hospital has been essential for his recovery. After his relapse this past spring, he was readmitted for treatment.
“I probably wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for Toowong,” – Cain Chambers
Chambers knows the special support his hospital provides, and he fears looking for care as good as what he currently gets.
“It’s a place that any veteran with mental health needs should be going. The support they give is excellent,” – Cain Chambers
Now, with the hospital’s closure imminent, he’s fearful about where he’ll get treatment. He worries about whether he’ll be able to find a facility that will work for him.
As Toowong patients’ options start to dry up, Dr. Geffen expects more will find themselves “ramped” in emergency departments before their needs can be addressed.
“Very unwell people are going to have less access to care. They’re going to finish up ramped in emergency departments,” – Dr. Josh Geffen
Implementing tactical triage reduces the chances of patients ending up in a facility ill-equipped to provide the complex care they require.
Transition Plans and Future of Mental Health Services
Toowong Private Hospital on the cusp of shutting down. In response, Queensland Health has been doing everything it can to provide affected patients a seamless transition. They are working with state agencies to ensure the smoothest possible transfer to other private mental health facilities or other mental health services as appropriate.
This commitment aims to alleviate some of the concerns expressed by patients regarding their future care options. Thousands more of them are still wrestling with doubt about what’s next.
“The continuity of care for the patients is Queensland Health’s priority; we are also resourced to provide suitable care if required.” – Queensland Health
Kerrie Czernia articulated the fears shared by many patients facing relocation:
The emotional strain of navigating this transition is evident among patients who worry about losing the support they have relied upon.
“The biggest question of all is: Can we get into [another hospital] and who’s going to treat us? It’s scary and everyone is feeling that.” – Kerrie Czernia
The emotional strain of navigating this transition is evident among patients who worry about losing the support they have relied upon.
