$8m boost for regional mental health

Dudley Private Hospital CEO Paul McKenna (right) with psychiatrist Dr Tristram Duncan.

Mental health services in New South Wales’ Central West region have been boosted by the opening of an $8 million development at Dudley Private Hospital.

The Orange-based hospital’s existing Dudley Clinic has been extended to include a new purpose-built, 15-bed mental health unit.

It features consulting rooms, a dining room, group therapy/lounge room, a designated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) room, outdoor areas, day group therapy areas, a gymnasium and sensory room.

“We want to make a real difference in the lives of those we treat,” Dudley Private Hospital CEO Paul McKenna said.

“Providing our patients with the very best care and every opportunity to maximise their health and life potential is how we will achieve this goal.”

The project is part of hospital owner Ramsay Health Care’s strategy to invest in and grow regional services across Australia.

The Dudley Clinic aims to provide modern expertise and caring professionalism in a welcoming and relaxing environment for the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, psychosis and other mental health conditions.

Outpatient programs will also be offered to follow stays at the facility, which usually last one to three weeks.

“The clinic has a lovely aspect and is light-filled and spacious,” Mr McKenna said. “It will have a private entrance at the rear of the existing hospital, to ensure patient privacy is maintained.”

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