Ramsay Clinic New Farm secures future of vital veterans’ mental health program

Previously delivered at Toowong Private Hospital, the program has provided specialised support for defence personnel and their families since 1998.

Psychiatrist Dr Andrew Khoo, who has been involved with the program for more than two decades, is now based at Ramsay Clinic New Farm and will continue leading the service alongside his team.

"This program has been delivering evidence-based care for many years and is one of just nine Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) accredited programs around the country," Dr Khoo said.

"The program has managed veterans from the Vietnam era, Somalia/Rwanda/Namibia, Cambodia, East Timor and the Middle East area of operations.

"It is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and evidence-informed program specifically designed for military trauma and has transformed with the changing needs of veterans over time.

"The comprehensive program involves individual therapy sessions, partner sessions, exercise, relaxation techniques and in vivo exposure outings.

"The program is set up to support veterans and current serving military personnel, as well as their partners.

"I have seen this program support personnel to make functional gains and quality of life improvements in the domestic, social, recreational, academic and employment spheres.

"The program isn't a one-stop cure for PTSD but rather a solid launchpad towards a better life managing the condition.

"I am very thankful to have had the support of Ramsay Clinic New Farm in taking on myself and my team to continue our work with veterans."

Ramsay Health Care has worked closely with Dr Khoo to ensure the program's transition is as seamless as possible, with an unwavering focus on continuity of care for patients and their families.

Director of Ramsay Mental Health, Christine Gee, said the organisation was proud to have stepped in to preserve the program's legacy.

"We're very proud to be re-establishing this important program, to ensure veterans and their families continue to have access to specialised care designed to help them recover, reconnect and rebuild their lives," Ms Gee said.

"The team at Ramsay Clinic New Farm remains committed to providing safe, effective and compassionate mental health support tailored to the unique needs of those who have served."