Psychogeriatrics - Hornsby Hospital

The psychogeriatrician assesses patients 65 years and older or younger patients with illness related to neurodegenerative disorders.

We care for patients with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are seen as well as referrals for mood disorders and mental illness, especially in relation to cognitive changes.

The assessment may occur in the clinic or it may occur at home, including in residential aged care facilities.

• Images / scans
• Blood results
• Test results
• List of current medications
• Referral
• Medicare card
• Glasses and/or hearing aids if required

• If you, your caregiver, family, or doctor believe it is best for you to be assessed by a Geriatric Psychiatrist  
• If there has been a decline in cognition, diagnosis of dementia, behavioural or psychological symptoms or quality of life concerns.  
• If you're transitioning to a residential care home and need specialised assistance  

Your GP or Specialist is always your first step in seeking treatment for any condition. You will be referred to our service if your treating doctor feels that your condition requires treatment from a Geriatric Psychiatrists. Once we receive the referral it will be reviewed, and you will be notified of the outcome and next steps. Please allow at least 4 weeks for this process to be undertaken. Appointments can be either face to face or via telehealth - the specialist will let you know what the best option is for you.     

If you have an appointment scheduled, you will receive a reminder text message.   

Please allow a full morning or afternoon for your appointment. Some patients require a longer review, and delays can occur.  

To access this service you must be referred by your GP or internally by a Hornsby Hospital medical officer.

To ensure that our resources are directed towards those in most need we have a selection criteria to determine what problems can be seen in our clinic. The below information is mainly for GPs and other referring clinicians. 

Inclusion criteria

• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai LGA’s
• Mental illness in relation to cognitive change
• Patients 65 years and older or younger patients with illness related to neurodegenerative disorders.

Exclusion criteria:

• Chronic mental illness without cognitive impairment

Patients at acute risk to themselves or others should be referred immediately to the older people’s mental health service 1800-011-511.

Please submit referrals using the e-Referral system through HealthLink, which can be accessed through most clinical software systems. If unsure which Specialist you would like to refer to, address letters to Dr Joanne Wright or alternatively, address letters to one of the doctors listed in the ‘Other information’ section” 

• e-Referral  
• Email: [email protected] 
• Fax (02) 9485 6069 

The following information must be included for referral to be accepted:  

•  Name of clinic e.g. Rehabilitation Clinic 
• Date and duration of referral (GP referrals accepted for either a 12-month period or indefinite)  
• Referrer's name, address, provider number and signature  
• Patient's details - name, date of birth, address, phone numbers, Medicare number/Department of Veteran Affairs number  
• Provisional diagnosis and reason for referral  
• Finding/treatment to date   
• Significant medical history  
• List of medications  
• Relevant social information  
• Need for interpreter and preferred language  
• If applicable, the most recent letter from any other physician, e.g. Cardiologist  

Referrals with insufficient information will be returned to the GP/Specialist until further information is provided to the clinic.  Providing more information will inform the triage process and ensure patients are seen in a timely manner. 

Referrals will be triaged, and your patient will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible. This process may take between 1-4 weeks.

Older people's mental health (OPMH) services

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