00:00So, Ramsey Healthcare, which is Australia's largest private hospital provider, has revealed
00:07it will close 17 of its 20 psychology clinics, which are located around the country.
00:13Internal documents sent to staff obtained by the ABC say that Ramsey didn't make this
00:18decision lightly, however, it follows a review of the challenges of operating a widespread
00:23network of clinics, including rising costs and operational complexities.
00:28Ramsey's psychology sees a broad range of patients, including children, for conditions
00:33like PTSD or depression, and one psychologist who spoke to the ABC on the condition of anonymity,
00:39because she's not authorised to speak freely, said that she was deeply concerned about how
00:45this would impact patients and patient care.
00:48Prominent psychiatrist Professor Pat McGorry said he was concerned that this could potentially
00:53pile pressure on an already overburdened public health system.
00:57And it's worth noting that Ramsey also operates a network of mental health clinics which won't
01:02be affected by this decision.
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