The Base to Help First Responders
A new healing space dedicated to the care of First Responders, veterans and current serving defence personnel is set to open at Kellyville Private Hospital on Monday, July 21st.
The Base Ward is being opened in response to an ever-growing need for mental health support, tailored to the special needs of these personnel who experience a higher incidence of psychological consequence from exposure to trauma, when compared to the general population.
According to figures from the Black Dog Institute 1 in 10 first responders suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and according to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, research indicates that the estimated rate of PTSD among current serving ADF personnel is 8%, rising to 17.7% among veterans. The rate in the general Australian population is estimated at 5.7%.
Staff in The Base Ward are dedicated to providing care that is trauma-informed, service aware with a recovery focus, to help first responders, veterans and current serving defence personnel struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and drug addiction and other mental health issues.
Aurora Health Care Australia runs Kellyville Private Hospital and also South Coast Private Hospital in Wollongong which has been a leading provider of mental health services for first responders, veterans and current serving defence personnel for the past five years.
Erin Ash, CEO of both hospitals said staff were thrilled to be able to extend the service to Kellyville Private Hospital.
“We know that recovery and healing is possible. However, the best patient outcomes are achieved through early intervention and rapid access to care. And this is one of the biggest challenges faced by first responders, veterans and defence personnel in seeking mental health care.
“We have seen some really positive outcomes from our first responder, veteran and defence patient cohort who have undergone our treatment programs at South Coast Private Hospital.
“By now offering this treatment program for first responders, veterans and defence personnel at Kellyville Private Hospital, we take a step towards closing this access gap potentially having an immense positive impact on someone who has dedicated so much of their life to serving others. “
The Base will have 13 bedrooms and offer a 3-week residential program to address mental health issues of PTSD and substance misuse/ dependence, with a 12-week outpatient program to provide continued support in the community. The Base also has the capacity to expand to 14 extra beds at a later stage.
Kellyville Private Hospital Clinical Program Coordinator Karen Hanzal says that having timely access to services is critical.
“There are other hospital services out there but not enough to both meet the demand and deliver a military and first responder specific culturally aware mental health program. The Base does this, by offering a safe and supportive space which facilitates connection – with self, peers, family, community – in collaboration with lived experience”.
