Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program
Aim of the Program The aim is to provide greater access to mental health services for people living in rural and remote areas. This is to be achieved through employing Mental Health Nurses to work alongside GPs in rural communities.
Area Covered The areas serviced by the program include Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Scone, Murrurundi, Denman and Merriwa.
Cost Highly experienced Mental Health Nurses provide the services at no cost to the patient or the GP. Services will be provided at the referring GPs practice.
Referrals People are referred to the program if:
NB: Referrals need to be faxed to the HRDGP mental health team.
To download this Referral form, log into or register in the Secure Access area. Treatment Treatment is tailored to individual needs and may include:
Privacy and Confidentiality
Strict arrangements are in place to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. Personal information will only be accessed and used by the Mental Health Nurses. Consultation with the Referring GP All referred patients will maintain their treatment relationship with their GP. The Mental Health Nurses will provide regular feedback to, and be involved in ongoing consultation with, the referring GP.
Further information For further information about the Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program please contact the Hunter Rural Division of General Practice on 02 4933 3824 or: Freecall 1800 226 371 Don Stewart is a Mental Health Nurse employed by the Hunter Rural Division of General Practice to provide clinical services to patients referred by GPs within Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Scone, Merriwa and Denman - the patients are seen in the GP’s practice.
Don has extensive mental health experience that has encompassed a number of roles. This has included Team Leader positions in community mental health teams, project work, and Clinical Nurse Consultant positions in the areas of psychotherapy and child and adolescent mental health. After nearly 30 years in the public mental health system Don left to take his present position in Primary Care just under a year ago.
Karen Harmon is a Mental Health Nurse employed by the Hunter Rural Division of General Practice to provide clinical services to patients referred by GPs in the Cessnock area - the patients are seen the GP's practice.
Karen is a Registered Nurse with almost 30 years experience, having completed a Specialist Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing at the Rozelle Hospital; a degree in Social Science from Charles Sturt University and a Master of Nursing (Advanced Practice) with Merit from the University of Newcastle. Karen has extensive experience in Cognative Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and has been involved in many General Practice projects surrounding mental health. Resources
   Division Contacts Don Stewart Karen Harmon 0401 819 266 0401 767 884 email Don Stewart email Karen Harmon
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