Private hospital recruits top psychiatrists

Brisbane Waters Private Hospital has recruited three new psychiatrists who specialise in drug and alcohol addictions.

The hospital's chief executive officer, Ms Kathy Beverley, said attracting highly reputable psychiatrists such as Professor Carlos Zubaran, Dr Greg Pearson and Dr Bhanu Pothala to the Central Coast is a great boost to the hospital and the community.

The hospital's new Drug and Alcohol Detox Program is a hospital-based and medically-managed program that includes psycho-educational programs.

The hospital offers a personalised treatment plan for every client to support them through a detox if necessary.

Each patient also receives a comprehensive program to help develop insight about why the dependency developed, and skills to live without using drugs or alcohol.

A day program provides an option for people to undertake a structured rehabilitation program enabling them to retain contact with their treating psychiatrist.

This provides an opportunity to maintain the skills acquired via the program and provide support for returning to usual daily home activities and employment.

"At a time when more people are seeking treatment for drug related issues, it is particularly important for our community that we increase capacity at our clinic," said Dr Greg Pearson.

"By improving access to treatment we enable the best possible outcomes for people trying to overcome alcohol or drug issues."

The number connects with a mental health nurse and is already being used by individuals within the community and general practitioners needing referral guidance.

The Central Coast Clinic is a private mental health facility so does not have accident and emergency facilities.

Patients need to have private health insurance or be able to self-fund to use the in-patient or day program.

Media release, 28 Jul 2016

Kathy Beverley, Brisbane Waters Private Hospital