Older People's Mental Health Service - Royal North Shore Hospital

RNS Older People's Mental Health Service (OPMHS) provides a community based specialist mental health assessment, diagnosis, care coordination and treatment for older people who have developed or are at risk of developing a mental health problem.

Mental Health problems may include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, suicide ideas and moderate to severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

The team works collaboratively with consumers, carers, general practitioners, and other services to support early intervention and recovery for older people with mental health problem.

The services are delivered by a range of health professionals with skills and expertise in mental health problems affecting older people and people with age-related frailty. This includes specialist old-age psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

• Staff will advise via telephone what to bring if required.

• The Older People’s Mental Health Service is provided to people living within the Lower North Shore region within their homes, residential aged care facilities, and in clinic environments at Royal North Shore Community Health Centre.
• People aged 60 years and over, who have developed or are at risk of developing a mental health problem.
• People under 65 years, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged 50 and older, can also access this service if it is suitable for their needs.

• Self referral
• GP referral
• Nursing referral
• Allied Health referral
• Medical referral

Can transport be organised for people to attend?

Limited transport is available, if you need to arrange transport the service can discuss options.

Is there a cost to patients to attend the clinic?

There is no cost to patients who are Medicare Card holders.