Specialist support for older people in the North

Hunter New England Health is pleased to announce the commencement of a new psychogeriatrician service for the northern region.

Dr Sid Williams, a psychogeriatrician based in Sydney, made his first monthly visit to Armidale Rural Referral Hospital on 5 September.

Armidale Hospital Service Manager Doña Withnell said the service had become necessary due to the increasing demand for services by elderly patients with psychiatric problems.

“People with established mental health problems, including personality disorders, are living to an older age and new mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and paranoid psychosis can present in old age,” Ms Withnell said.

“There is often an overlap of conditions, including organic brain diseases such as dementia, and we need help to understand and optimally manage these conditions.”

Dr Williams has been providing a similar service in the Tamworth region for some time.  Extending his service to Armidale has been made possible thanks to a 12 month grant from The Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program.

Patients need to be referred to Dr Williams through their GP or medical specialist.

Contact: Tamaryn Curry

Phone: 4921 4801