In a significant step towards supporting the mental health needs of veterans and first responders, a new facility has been unveiled at St John of God Richmond Hospital.

This initiative represents a crucial milestone in addressing the unique challenges faced by those who have served their country or worked on the front lines.

The unveiling of this specialised mental health facility underscores the importance of providing tailored care and support to individuals who have dedicated their lives to public service.

In a world where the mental health of our veterans and first responders is finally receiving the attention it deserves, St John of God Richmond Hospital has taken a significant leap forward.

With the unveiling of a $65 million redevelopment, the hospital has transformed into a state-of-the-art sanctuary dedicated to the mental well-being of those who have served our community and country.

St John of God Richmond Hospital revealed a $65 million redevelopment tailored for first responders and veterans requiring mental health assistance. Credits: Facebook / St John of God Richmond Hospital

Nestled in the serene outskirts of Sydney's Northwest, the hospital's expansion from an 88-bed to a 112-bed capacity facility is more than just a numbers game—it's about creating a space where healing and hope can flourish.

The new development includes a gym, group room, and indoor pool—all designed to support its patients' physical and mental rehabilitation.

The focus on first responders and veterans is a poignant reminder of the unique challenges faced by these brave individuals.

The mental toll of their service can be profound, and St John of God Richmond Hospital is stepping up to provide specialised care tailored to their needs.

Kerry Sanderson, Chair of St John of God Health Care, emphasised the hospital's commitment to being a leading mental health care provider.

‘St John of God Health Care is proud to be continuing our longstanding legacy by providing a safe place to receive care for mental illness through holistic person-centred care,’ she stated.

‘Through this redevelopment, St John of God Richmond Hospital has created a sanctuary that inspires confidence, trust and promotes hope and healing through excellent care.'

Privacy and comfort are paramount, with patients staying in private rooms, each with its en suite.

The hospital's commitment to innovation is evident in its treatments, which include cutting-edge options like electro-convulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation services in the newly established neurostimulation suite.

The dining area, too, has received a makeover. It now offers a ‘light and airy’ space where visitors and patients can enjoy meals together, fostering a sense of community and normalcy, which are crucial in the recovery process.

Bryan Pyne, the CEO of St John of God Health Care Group, highlighted the importance of client consultation in the redevelopment process.

‘We engaged with our clients and their families to ensure our services were designed to meet their mental health care needs, as well as guiding St John of God Health Care's mental health strategy,’ he said.

‘The facilities we are showcasing today have been developed to help people overcome the disconnection and isolation that comes with mental illness and assist with reconnecting to family and friends.’

The hospital's holistic approach extends beyond medical treatment, with the addition of a chapel and pharmacy, slated for completion by the end of the year.

As mental health initiatives like the newly unveiled facility at St John of God Richmond Hospital aim to provide targeted support for veterans and first responders, innovative approaches to therapy are also gaining recognition.

Recent research has highlighted the therapeutic benefits of art therapy in promoting mental well-being.

This intersection of specialised care facilities and alternative therapies underscores the importance of holistic approaches in addressing the complex needs of individuals navigating mental health challenges.

Key Takeaways

• St John of God Richmond Hospital unveiled a $65 million redevelopment to cater specifically to first responders and veterans in need of mental health support.
• The hospital’s capacity increased to 112 beds and now features a gym, group room, and an indoor pool.
• Innovative treatments available at the hospital include electro-convulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
• The redevelopment was informed by ongoing consultation with clients and their families to ensure services meet their mental health care needs.

Have you or someone you know been affected by the mental health challenges faced by veterans and first responders? How do you think facilities like this can make a difference in their lives? Share your stories and insights in the comments below.

 

[GranniCaz]

Fantastic news! Congratulations to St John of God for displaying unprecedented leadership, investment and future planning in the health industry …. Singularly…!
Clearly indicating the WILL to invest in the current and future health needs of our nation is missing across our OBLIGATED governments.

 

[Luckyus]

A hope its a damn sight better than their facility on the peninsular in Victoria?

 

[Jo Piper3]

Thanks, a good news story.

 

[Clancieblue]

What wonderful news, for those suffering mental health due to working situations.
Ambulance, fire and police officers and SES staff, even train drivers and staff attending and involved in train line accidents.

 

[Pommyoz]

A great idea, it will take away many who are in the public system. Why don’t other rich organisations do this for the community?

 

[Rob44]

"which include cutting-edge options like electro-convulsive therapy"

Cutting edge? That was standard practice from at least 1944 onwards in British military hospitals in the UK.

 

[natalielocket]

There is a Hospital in Brisbane for Returned Service Men and Women, and also their Spouses. Can`t remember where, but visited a Friend in there a couple of times a number of years ago. They also organised Home Help for her as well.

 

[Rob44]

Fantastic news! Congratulations to St John of God for displaying unprecedented leadership, investment and future planning in the health industry …. Singularly…!
Clearly indicating the WILL to invest in the current and future health needs of our nation is missing across

"which include cutting-edge options like electro-convulsive therapy"

Cutting edge? That was standard practice from at least 1944 onwards in British military hospitals in the UK.

My father, an artist, left me his paintings. One of them is of a bunch of soldiers just standing around looking far less than cheerful in their hospital clothing at what I believe was Catterick military hospital in the UK. They were all receiving ECT treatment for 'battle fatigue' (PTSD); ECT works by knocking to bits one's recent memory, and it can take a great deal of ECT even to be partly effective. PTSD is a horrible false reality that comes out of the blue and can persist until simply one wonders what is real and what is not and can repeat itself over and again in any one "session". And it can recur almost at any time throughout one's life, given the appropriate trigger. Yes, extra care for "first responders' is essential.

I wonder what we think of events in Palestine.

 

[Mark@Home]

As a UK Veteran now with dual citizenship of Australia and the UK, I would like to see Defence Gold Cards given to all veterans who served our monarch. Of course, such a scheme should apply to ANY Commonwealth veteran resident in ANY Commonwealth country.

Currently, Australian rules allow for veterans of other Commonwealth countries to be given Defence White cards but only if they are in receipt of a war pension. Sailors, soldiers and airmen don't start wars and if our service did not include a war, that is not our fault. But I took the Queen's Shilling to be killed, if necessary, in the service of my monarch (then the late Queen Elizabeth II), indeed we ALL took a similar oath and made the same offer. I myself flew in the Royal Air Force close tracking Soviet submarines in the Cold War with a view to sinking them had we gone hot.

Being in the armed forces is like no other job. Bankers are not required to kill and be killed; neither are checkout chicks.

I intend to make this a Seniors Discount Club petition.

 

[Rob44]

After 5 years serving our monarch and 18 months in a British military hospital my father (as with a great many others squaddies who had taken the King's shilling) was allowed to leave and was told he would be lucky to able to hold down a job as a bricklayer. So he returned to Art College in Oxford, finished his degree and ended up teaching in Tertiary education for the rest of his life. No grateful Sovereign/country ever handed out war pensions and assorted cards to ease one's income; but that was in 1946. Interesting times;no complaint, just a historical observation, but at least the Attlee Gov't brought in the National Health Service in 1948 and in 1945 had begun building Council Houses at the rate of 200 000 a year.

 

[Penny4]

That's a good hospital for Veterans. If Veterans have a Gold Card they get free private hospital and other medical expenses all fully paid with a Gold Card. My father in law had one in his later years, as he served overseas.

 

[Penny4]

As a UK Veteran now with dual citizenship of Australia and the UK, I would like to see Defence Gold Cards given to all veterans who served our monarch. Of course, such a scheme should apply to ANY Commonwealth veteran resident in ANY Commonwealth country.

Currently, Australian rules allow for veterans of other Commonwealth countries to be given Defence White cards but only if they are in receipt of a war pension. Sailors, soldiers and airmen don't start wars and if our service did not include a war, that is not our fault. But I took the Queen's Shilling to be killed, if necessary, in the service of my monarch (then the late Queen Elizabeth II), indeed we ALL took a similar oath and made the same offer. I myself flew in the Royal Air Force close tracking Soviet submarines in the Cold War with a view to sinking them had we gone hot.

Being in the armed forces is like no other job. Bankers are not required to kill and be killed; neither are checkout chicks.

I intend to make this a Seniors Discount Club petition.

It's a wonder you aren't qualified with a UK veteran card to use in Australia, or isn't this possible?

 

[Mark@Home]

It's a wonder you aren't qualified with a UK veteran card to use in Australia, or isn't this possible?

Hi Penny, thanks for that. I have a UK Defence Discount Card but convinced myself it wasn't usable here. It won't convince my GP surgery to revert to bulk billing. I have a Seniors Card but not a pensioner discount card because my wife, a church worker, earns too much!!! Regular Rockefellers, us!!

The reason I wish to make this a campaign is for the benefit of all servicemen and women throughout the (British) Commonwealth, given that we all took oaths and vows to serve the same monarch. Perhaps I should write to our new one.

 

[Penny4]

Hi Penny, thanks for that. I have a UK Defence Discount Card but convinced myself it wasn't usable here. It won't convince my GP surgery to revert to bulk billing. I have a Seniors Card but not a pensioner discount card because my wife, a church worker, earns too much!!! Regular Rockefellers, us!!

The reason I wish to make this a campaign is for the benefit of all servicemen and women throughout the (British) Commonwealth, given that we all took oaths and vows to serve the same monarch. Perhaps I should write to our new one.

That's a shame about your GP. Perhaps he wants a new Porsche or a boat.
I think the campaign is a good idea like you said. The majority of us here will sign it.

 

[Mark@Home]

That's a shame about your GP. Perhaps he wants a new Porsche or a boat.
I think the campaign is a good idea like you said. The majority of us here will sign it.

Thanks Penny, it's not my GP it is the practice manager. I wrote a letter to complain but the manager was too important to reply.

I don't suppose you could steer me in the direction of how to create a petition on here, could you?

 

[Penny4]

Thanks Penny, it's not my GP it is the practice manager. I wrote a letter to complain but the manager was too important to reply.

I don't suppose you could steer me in the direction of how to create a petition on here, could you?

Such a disappointment with acceptance dealing with that manager.
You can message the admins via Contact Us - down the bottom of the page.

 

[Mark@Home]

Such a disappointment with acceptance dealing with that manager.
You can message the admins via Contact Us - down the bottom of the page.

Thanks Penny. My disappointment quota was augmented after Aunty Albo increased the bulk billing rate, yet that surgery insists on shafting the population within its purlieu. I hope the big ends of their Bentleys get crank-shafted and bent! But I'm not bitter!! Cheers you! M.