Ramsay Clinic Wentworthville expansion to increase youth mental health services

A proposed four-storey mental health facility in Sydney’s west would aim to tackle a crisis emerging in teenagers as young as 14. See how it will look.

A four-storey extension of the private Ramsay Clinic Wentworthville would allow it to offer more rehabilitation services for young people with mental health problems.

Ramsay Health Care’s stage-two plans feature 95 patient beds, nine consulting suites, an art studio, sensory garden, a 58 parking spaces, a new lobby, an art studio, gym and office at the Lytton St facility, formerly known as Wentworthville Northside West Clinic.

Ramsay mental health director Anne Mortimer said the additional services would provide inpatient care and day programs to people aged between 14 and 25 years.

“Our community has done a fantastic job raising awareness around mental health in young people, unfortunately, the facilities haven’t kept up,’’ she said.

“That’s why we are creating this purpose-built facility – to give teenagers and the young adults of western Sydney the world-class medical care they deserve.’’

Plans for the $32 million expansion of the Ramsay Clinic Wentworthville at 23-27 Lytton St are on public exhibition.

Ms Mortimer said Ramsay was the only private provider of inpatient mental health care for adolescents aged from 14 in NSW and the waiting lists at its other facilities was a catalyst for expanding at Wentworthville.

“This is an age group perhaps most at risk of developing serious mental health issues, yet simultaneously it’s also an age group often ignored,’’ she said.

“Research shows that early intervention and treatment is the key to helping people with mental health conditions live happy, well-rounded adult lives.”

Existing services focus on treating eating disorders and general adult consultation.

The expansion would meet the emerging demand for specialist clinical care such as mood disorders, and drug and alcohol detoxification rehabilitation for those aged 18 and over.

Mental health services for young people are in high demand.

Ramsay mental health child and adolescent psychiatrist associate Professor Johnathan Kasinathan said the need for treatment in young people had only been realised in the past decade.

“The approach to mental health in young people has traditionally been to dismiss their needs as ‘teenage issues’ associated with growing up,’’ he said.

“However, we have now learned that ignoring the mental health of adolescents only sets them up for failure in their adult lives.

“By upgrading our facility, we are creating the best possible environment for success.’’

A view from Lytton Street Park showing the courtyard at the clinic.

Subject to the State Government’s approval, the project would take two years to construct and generate more than 60 full time jobs during building, along with 23 direct jobs when it begins operating.

The upgrade would take bed numbers to 125.

The project, deemed a state significant development, is open to public feedback until March 3.

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