Matilda Nepean

Did you know that post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common mental health disorder after depression?

Trauma can have a devastating effect on people’s lives. Any one of us can be affected and the psychological impacts can be deep and complex.

They can affect any of us physically and emotionally, and the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. The problems that arise after trauma can be complex and impact our wellbeing.

According to Phoenix Australia, about 5.5% of Australians will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. That means that at any one time over 1.5 million Australians have PTSD.

It’s predicated that 3 in 4 Australians will experience an event that can cause psychological trauma in their lifetime. Psychological trauma comes in many forms and impacts people from all walks of life.

The problems that arise can be complex and impair our physical and emotional wellbeing.

However recovery is possible.

Matilda Nepean at Kingswood runs a private mental health program that is focused on the needs of people living with PTSD and other stress-related conditions.

The program provides a safe and nurturing environment for participants to access the tools and strategies they need to address their specific symptoms and needs.

The program helps address trauma and stress-related emotions and develop new thought patterns to better manage the symptoms associated with trauma and stress.

You can read more about the program here: https://matildanepean.com.au/service/post-traumatic-and-stress-disorders/.

It can be accessed either as an inpatient or on a day therapy basis.

If you would like to speak to someone further about the program, your suitability or admission arrangements, please contact Jacki Maher on tel: 8123 6790 or email: [email protected].

Source: Phoenix Australia

We always love reading our patient's kind words and feedback!

Swipe through to read comments and feedback from our patients and families about the quality of care, services and facilities at Matilda Nepean.

We work hard to provide the best care possible to each patient, so it is always heartening to receive such positive feedback.

At Matilda Nepean, we provide sub-acute care in the areas of:
• mental health
• rehabilitation
• medical
• geriatric care and
• palliative care

If you'd like to talk to us about care for yourself or a loved one, please contact:
• Alicia Wozniak (medical, geriatric, palliative care and rehabilitation) on tel: 8123 6789 or [email protected] or
• Jacki Maher (mental health) on tel: 8123 6790 or [email protected]

We'll be pleased to talk to you about your or a loved one’s particular needs.

Please note that the photos used in this series are intended to show our team at work. They are not photographs of the person who left the specific feedback or testimonial.

Many people need support for their mental health and wellbeing at different times in their lives.

Sub-acute private hospital Matilda Nepean offers a leading private mental health service - supported by some of the Nepean region’s most senior and experienced psychiatrists - in the heart of Penrith.

Our hospital-based mental health programs offer mental health assessments, treatments and management, and ongoing support for a range of mental health needs.

This includes private inpatient mental health care and a range of mental health day therapy programs.

The mental health services offered at Matilda Nepean are fully covered by most major health funds, depending on your fund and level of cover.

Our mental health team includes psychiatrists, psychologists and a team of multidisciplinary health care professionals who offer you warm, caring and compassionate care and support, using a recovery-focused approach.

To learn more about our programs contact Jacki Maher on tel: 8123 6790 or email: [email protected]. You can also learn more about our mental health services on our website: https://matildanepean.com.au/mental-health

Did you know that Matilda Nepean has tier 1 ‘no gap' arrangements with most major health funds?

We also accept admissions from people with DVA status or Workers’ Compensation and Third Party Compensation claims or entitlements with approval from their insurer.

Matilda Nepean is a near new (we opened in February 2023) luxury sub-acute private hospital located at Kingswood that provides rehabilitation, mental health, medical, geriatric and palliative care services to people living in the Nepean and adjoining areas. Rehabilitation and mental health programs are available on an inpatient and day therapy basis.

The majority of our patients enjoy 'no gap' arrangements with their health funds for inpatient and day therapy programs.

If you are considering an inpatient stay or enrolling in a day therapy program at Matilda Nepean, you can contact us in advance and ask us to check with your health fund to let you know if there will be any out-of-pocket expenses associated with your care.

Or, if you would like to speak to your health fund yourself, feel free to contact us so we can give you the item number for the health service you may be considering, so you can quote this when you speak to your health fund.

No gap arrangements are dependent on the type and level of cover that you hold.

Please feel free to contact our friendly team at any time regarding any queries you may have about your health fund, DVA or insurance arrangements related to your care. Our team can be contacted on tel: 8123 6700 or email: [email protected].

You can also read more information on our website here: https://matildanepean.com.au/patients/before-you-stay/fees-charges/

During this, National Palliative Care Week, we are pleased to highlight the private palliative care services available at Matilda Nepean to people living in the Nepean area.

Opened in February 2023, the Matilda Nepean palliative care team is proud to expand the range of palliative care services already available to the Nepean Blue Mountains community.

Palliative care addresses the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of people with a life-limiting illness, to allow them to live as well and as comfortably as possible.

It recognises the unique needs of a person approaching or reaching the end of life, as well as those of their family and carers.

Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients, their families, and their carers by helping the person live as well and as comfortably as possible during their illness and death.

Matilda Nepean’s palliative care team includes medical specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, social workers and psychologists who are trained to care for people in a palliative care setting.

Based at Kingswood, our palliative care unit includes extra-large rooms that can accommodate an additional guest if a family member wishes to stay overnight. Care is provided in a comfortable, boutique hotel-like environment, supported by a range of wellness and personal care services to aid rest, relaxation, and well-being.

You can read more about our palliative care service on our website: https://matildanepean.com.au/service/palliative-care/. You are also welcome to enquire further about our services or discuss your needs with Alicia Wozniak on tel: 8123 6789 or email: [email protected].

🎉👩‍⚕️ Happy International Nurses Day! 👨‍⚕️🎉

We're so proud to shine a spotlight on our outstanding nurses at Matilda Nepean.

They play a pivotal role in the care and wellbeing of our patients.

Working with our doctors as part of our multi-disciplinary care team, they provide care and support to each of our patients on their journey of recovery, rehabilitation, comfort and wellbeing.

On this, International Nurses Day, we acknowledge and say a special thank you to our nurses. Your clinical skills, expertise, hard work, dedication, and compassion make a profound difference to Matilda Nepean and in the lives of those you serve.

Thank you for all that you do, today and every day.

A short stay in a "sub-acute" rehabilitation hospital like Matilda Nepean can be a helpful "bridge" between an acute care hospital and home.

This is particularly the case for people recovering from a surgical procedure, older people, or those with more complex care needs.

It provides an opportunity to fully recover and regain strength, mobility, and independence with the support of an experienced multidisciplinary care team before going home.

If you’ve recently had a surgical procedure, our team can develop a program tailored to your needs to help you regain your strength and mobility before you go home.

For older people or those with more complex care needs, we can focus on strengthening mobility and independence to support and enable a safe transition home.

When you or a loved one is nearing discharge from an acute care hospital, we can also organise the transfer directly with the hospital on your behalf.

To learn more or to have a confidential discussion about your or a loved one's needs, please contact Alicia Wozniak on tel: 8123 6789.

Matilda Nepean’s private mental health programs are ideally suited to the mental health needs of emergency services and defence personnel.

Our consultant psychiatrists and mental health team have experience in caring for the unique needs of people living with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions associated with high-stress occupations and workplaces.

Our mental health service operates from a recently opened state-of-the-art sub-acute private hospital located in the Penrith Health Precinct at Kingswood.

Mental health programs are tailored to your individual needs and are available on a day therapy basis - where you attend sessions as a day patient during the week - or as an inpatient - where you stay in the hospital and attend programs over a short admission.

Our programs are led by senior local psychiatrists and are tailored for people over the age of 18 years who are experiencing:

• post traumatic stress disorder
• major depression
• anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorders

As part of our broader mental health program, we also support people with:
• personality disorders
• obsessive-compulsive disorder
• bipolar disorder and
• age-related mental health challenges

Immediate admission is available under the care of one of our experienced treating psychiatrists.

We accept patients with DVA status and individuals with Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Compensation claims or entitlements with approval from their insurer. We also have arrangements with most major health funds.

To learn more about our mental health service or to have a confidential discussion about your suitability for one of our programs, please contact Jacki Maher on tel: 8123 6790 or email: [email protected].

We welcome your enquiry if you would like to learn more about our mental health care services for either yourself or a loved one.

Our mental health service operates from Matilda Nepean, a recently opened state-of-the-art sub-acute private hospital located in the Penrith Health Precinct at Kingswood.

Our programs are led by senior local psychiatrists and are tailored for people over the age of 18 years who are experiencing:

• post traumatic stress disorder
• major depression
• biopolar disorder
• anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder
• personality disorders

We also support:
• individuals who may require neurostimulation with rTMS and ECT
• older persons with mental health challenges

Mental health care programs can be accessed on an inpatient or day therapy basis.

We also have arrangements with most major health funds.

To learn more or to discuss your suitability for one of our programs, feel free to contact Jacki Maher on tel: 8123 6790 or email: [email protected].

We'd like to introduce you to Dea, our in-hospital Dietitian at Matilda Nepean.

She focuses on your nutritional well-being, providing individualised dietary advice to patients to support their rehabilitation and recovery needs.

When we caught up with Dea, she said she loves working with her patients at Matilda Nepean and really enjoys learning about everyone's favourite foods!

We also asked her to share two "insider" tips on the easiest way to improve your diet. Her advice?

1. Eat colourful fruits and vegetables every day
2. Drink more water

This week (April 8 to 14), we're celebrating Dietitian's Week and focusing on the importance of nourishing the mind, body, and brain.

In this, Dietitians Week, we'd like to say a big thank you to Dea for all that she does for our patients at Matilda Nepean and recognise the important work of Dietitians working in a range of roles across the Nepean. Thank you for the important work you do promoting nutritional health and well-being in our community.

Today marks the start of April Falls Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness of the impact of falls.

This year's theme is 'Better Balance for Falls Prevention' which encourages people at risk of falls to take steps to improve their strength and balance.

If you or a loved one would like to participate in a structured program, Matilda Nepean runs a falls prevention program from its hospital-based rehabilitation centre at Kingswood.

The program is designed to prevent falls and assist with recovery from any fall-related injuries. It focuses on building strength, coordination and balance while incorporating strategies to promote independence and reduce falls risk.

The program is led by a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, hydrotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses. You will also have regular clinical reviews with a rehabilitation specialist.

This program is suitable for individuals:
• who have had a recent fall-related injury or illness
• who have had an exacerbation of a condition causing balance problems
• with persisting or worsening disability and dependency due to health problems that require rehabilitation because of balance and safety issues

You can participate in the falls prevention program on either an inpatient or day therapy basis.

Matilda Nepean has arrangements with most major health funds.

To learn more or enquire further about the program, please contact Alicia Wozniak on tel: 8123 6789 or email: [email protected].

Are you looking for hydrotherapy in the Nepean area, or wondering if hydrotherapy might help your rehabilitation or recovery from a recent (or planned) surgery or health condition?

Opened in February last year, the hydrotherapy pool at Matilda Nepean at Kingswood sits within a world-class purpose-built rehabilitation centre designed to support people in their journey of rehabilitation or recovery. The centre also includes an expansive gymnasium, modern patient changing areas and showers, and wellbeing facilities.

Hydrotherapy is an integral part of Matilda Nepean's signature rehabilitation program, which can be joined as an inpatient or day patient.

This soothing water-based exercise program is used to assist in rehabilitation and recovery from a variety of conditions. It uses the buoyancy and temperature of water to help with muscle relaxation, improving joint motion and reducing pain.

The hydrotherapy pool is heated between 31-34°C, and there is a comfortable walk-in entry with railings. We can also provide assisted entry via a comfortable chair hoist for people with more restricted mobility.

You can learn more about our hydrotherapy program on our website: https://matildanepean.com.au/service/wellness-program-gym-and-hydrotherapy/or contact our friendly reception team on tel: 8123 6789 to organise a tour of our facilities.

At Matilda Nepean, we aim to offer the best care, therapy and support to every patient.

Swipe left to read the testimonials from patients after an in-patient stay or day therapy program with us.

Our images highlight our dedicated team in action and do not represent specific patients or testimonials.

Matilda Nepean’s private mental health service offers you or your loved one access to leading mental health programs and professionals in a state-of-the-art mental health facility in the heart of Penrith.

You can access our mental health care services as an inpatient, where you stay in an oversized single hotel-like private room, or as a day patient.

We work with people over the age of 18 years who are experiencing common mental health conditions such as:

☑️ post-traumatic stress disorder
☑️ major depression
☑️ bipolar disorder
☑️ anxiety disorders including panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder and
☑️ personality disorders

We also support:
☑️ individuals who require neurostimulation with rTMS and ECT and
☑️ older persons with mental health challenges

Our team of senior local psychiatrists work closely with our multi-disciplinary mental health team to provide in-patient mental health care or day therapy programs tailored to individuals' particular needs.

To learn more about our programs or to have a confidential discussion about your needs please please contact Jacki Maher on tel: 8123 6790 or email: [email protected].

You can also learn more about our mental health programs and services on our website: matildanepean.com.au/mental-health.

More services and therapies are now available in the Nepean region for people living with depression.

Matilda Nepean’s mental health service at Kingswood has expanded to include new high-tech treatment options for people with depression.

One of these therapies, called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (or TMS), is a non-invasive, mild form of brain stimulation.

TMS is increasingly being used in Australia for the treatment of depression when other treatments such as antidepressant medication and/or psychotherapy have not been effective.

TMS works by stimulating electrical activity and chemicals in the brain which play a role in the regulation of mood.

It’s a comfortable procedure conducted while awake and seated in a chair. Therapy is provided several times a week for several weeks to help treat underlying depressive illness. It can be provided on an outpatient or in-patient basis, depending on your needs and preferences.

If you have depression and would like to learn more about this therapy, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to see if this treatment option is appropriate for you.

If you would like to enquire further about TMS or discuss your particular mental health needs, please contact Jacki Maher on tel: 8123 6790 or email: [email protected].

You can learn more about TMS on our website, and download a detailed information booklet here: https://matildanepean.com.au/service/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/

Who says there can’t be sweet treats in hospital? Not us, that’s for sure.

At Matilda Nepean, our patients enjoy nourishing, delicious meals prepared by our onsite chefs. And that includes portion controlled, dietitian approved healthy sweet treats.

We know that nourishing meals are vital to your health, recovery and sense of wellbeing.

Our chef works in close consultation with our dietitians to produce menus that are delicious, healthy and meet the discerning tastes of our patients.

We also minimise waste, recycle, and support local growers and suppliers wherever possible.

Our patients have the choice of daily continental or hot breakfast, and a lunch and dinner menu that contains lighter options such as soup and sandwiches or a main meal as well as dessert.

There is also a beverage cart and we also provide morning tea, afternoon tea and supper.

Matilda Nepean. We’re on a mission to make hospital yum!

Happy International Women’s Day! Today at Matilda Nepean we celebrate and say thank you to the amazing women who make such a significant contribution to our hospital, patients and community.

To all of our women team members - including doctors, allied health care professionals, nurses, health administrators and support staff - we say thank you and celebrate each and every one of you today.

** Flashback Friday **

Did you see the news that we’ve just recently celebrated our first birthday?

It’s hard to believe it’s been a full year since Matilda Nepean first opened at Kingswood in February 2023.

We’ve had such a wonderful response to our doctors, services and beautiful amenities over the past 12 months.

Here’s three of our consultant physicians touring our patient recovery and observation unit at our official opening ceremony in February last year. Listed (from left to right):
• Dr Laurence Chu, a senior rehabilitation specialist and former head of rehabilitation medicine at Nepean Hospital
• Dr Sharon Wong, a senior rehabilitation specialist and current head of rehabilitation medicine at Nepean Hospital
• Dr Mark Walker, a senior consultant psychiatrist and head of our mental health team

Matilda Nepean has specialist consultants working across its four care streams:
• mental health
• rehabilitation
• medical and geriatric care and
• palliative care

You can learn more about our specialist services and consultant physicians on our website here: https://matildanepean.com.au.

If you would like to contact us about arranging care for yourself or a loved one, please contact Alicia Wozniak on tel: 8123 6789 or email: [email protected]

Matilda Nepean remains dedicated to delivering exceptional care, rehabilitation, and therapy to our local community.

Read the touching testimonials shared by patients after their time with us.

Please note that the images featured highlight our team at work, not the patients specific to these testimonials.

Private mental healthcare provider Matilda Nepean is building a hub of the Nepean region’s leading mental health experts.

The new luxury private hospital invites expressions of interest from psychiatrists to learn more about the benefits of visiting medical officer status at one of the region’s newest private mental healthcare facilities.

Opened at Kingswood in February 2023, Matilda Nepean provides inpatient and day therapy mental healthcare services in luxury surroundings to adult patients in the heart of Penrith.

Matilda Nepean’s mental health team comprises senior psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, and allied health professionals with extensive mental health experience.

The team works with people over the age of 18 who are experiencing:
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• major depression
• bipolar disorder
• anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, and
obsessive-compulsive disorder
• personality disorders

They also support:
• individuals who may require neurostimulation with rTMS and ECT
• older persons with mental health challenges.

For a confidential discussion about VMO accreditation at Matilda Nepean, please contact General Manager Jacki Maher on tel: 8123 6705 or email: [email protected].

Are you or a loved one about to be discharged from an acute care hospital but don’t feel quite ready to go home?

A short stay in a "sub-acute" rehabilitation hospital like Matilda Nepean can be a helpful "bridge" between an acute care hospital and home. This is particularly the case for people who are recovering from a surgical procedure, older people, or those with more complex care needs.

It provides an opportunity to fully recover, and regain strength, mobility and independence with the support of an experienced multidisciplinary team prior to going home.

If you’ve recently had a surgical procedure, our team can develop a program tailored to your needs to help you regain your strength and mobility prior to going home.

For older people or those with more complex care needs, we can focus on strengthening mobility and independence to support and enable a safe transition home.

When you or a loved one is nearing discharge from an acute care hospital, we can also organise the transfer directly with the hospital on your behalf.

To learn more or to have a confidential discussion about your or a loved one's needs, please contact Alicia Wozniak on tel: 8123 6789, who’ll be happy to assist.

Matilda Nepean has further expanded its specialist mental health therapies for people with severe depression, establishing itself as a leading provider of mental healthcare in the Nepean region.

The private mental health unit - led by some of the region’s leading psychiatrists - can now offer patients with severe depression the option of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) when it is clinically appropriate and beneficial to do so.

ECT is an effective treatment with a strong evidence base for a number of psychiatric disorders. It is used to treat severe depression, mania and psychosis, and occasionally other conditions.

According to the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, ECT is a very safe treatment option for people who meet strict clinical assessment criteria when other treatments such as talking therapies or medication have not provided adequate benefit.

All patients undergo a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to determine the most appropriate program of mental health therapies based on their specific clinical needs.

Matilda Nepean offers a broad range of the most up-to-date, evidence-based therapies to assist in the management of a broad range of mental health needs.

If you would like to talk to someone about the suitability of our mental health therapies for yourself or a loved one, please contact us for a confidential discussion.

Please contact Jacki Maher on tel: 8123 6790 or email: [email protected].

Thank you Michael Roff for joining us for our 1st birthday celebration this week, and bringing with you the best wishes from the team at the Australian Private Hospitals Association. We were delighted to have you join us.

APHA CEO Michael Roff was on hand to help Matilda Nepean celebrate its first birthday with Matilda Corporate Operations Manager Kate Silver. Congratulations to all the team!