News & Events: Media Releases

Ramsay Announces New Mental Health Facility for Cairns

Ramsay Health Care has announced that it will develop a private hospital, specialising in mental health, in Cairns to meet the growing demand for private mental health services in the region. 

Ramsay Health Care already owns Cairns Private Hospital and the Cairns Day Surgery.  This new hospital, to be located in what was formerly a lodge (Figtree Lodge), will offer day and inpatient programs for privately referred patients who suffer from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders as well as alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation.

Cairns Private Hospital CEO Mark Page said mental illness was an increasing problem for all communities across Australia with a vast number of Australians experiencing some form of mental illness each year. He said services were sorely needed in the north Queensland region to assist with providing effective treatment for mental illness. 

“The closest dedicated private mental health facilities are in Brisbane.  This new hospital will have a catchment area primarily in Cairns but it will also service the broader North Queensland area from Townsville.  We believe that the entire region has been lacking in a facility such as this for some time,” Mark said.

“Private patients who require inpatient treatment for mental health issues are currently forced to travel to Brisbane and leave behind their families and support networks, which is not really ideal or cost effective.”
He said patients would be referred to the hospital following assessment by general practitioners and psychiatrists. Patients will be admitted to the hospital under the care of consultant psychiatrists and care will be provided by a multi-disciplinary team including psychiatrists, specialist nursing staff, psychologists and other allied health professional.

Local Cairns Psychiatrist Dr Paul Trott who has been appointed Director of Medical Services of this new hospital said the development of a private mental health facility in Cairns would be a major boost for mental health services in the region.

“This is a very exciting development for Cairns and the whole North Queensland area.  Private mental health services are poorly lacking in this region and sufferers of mental health disorders will benefit greatly from this new facility,” Dr Trott said.