By Afraa Kori
For those who on the frontlines of danger and emergencies, a new safe haven awaits.
St John of God Langmore Centre is pleased to bring the first dedicated psychological trauma service for emergency services and defence personnel to Melbourne’s south east.
With a large number of emergency and defence personnel working and living in the rapidly growing region of south east Melbourne, the need for a dedicated service became evident.
The St John of God Berwick Hospital has responded to the community’s needs by ensuring access to care is provided closer to home, said general manager and CEO of St John of God, Lisa Norman.
“The location of the service is vital. It is widely understood that the involvement of loved ones can improve the emotional wellbeing of hospital patients and with a service closer to home, the program aims to keep families and support networks close at hand.”
Trauma and PTSD as a result of a psychological injury or harm is prevalent amongst those who work to protect the community.
“It is important for emergency services and defence personnel to know that they are not alone and we are ready to support them,” Ms Norman said.
“It is important for people to be aware that psychological trauma can happen to anyone and relates to the experiences an individual is faced with, rather than an inability to cope with a difficult situation.
“People need to know that there are treatments and supports which can help them manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives. The hardest thing is acknowledging there is a problem and finding access to programs. We are here to help and deliver them an opportunity for a brighter future.”
St John of God Langmore Centre’s Emergency Services and Defence Trauma Recovery program has been designed around the specific needs of emergency services and defence personnel. The development of this service has included discussions with Victoria Police, The Police Association of Victoria, Australian Defence Force, Ambulance Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria.
Clinicians working within the program will have undergone additional training and upskilling to enable them to understand the organisations they are working with, their processes to ensure we provide tailored care.
The program will be run by a multidisciplinary team including: psychiatrists, psychologists, allied health (including exercise physiology, art therapy, music therapy), pastoral care and nurses.
Together, these clinicians offer holistic care which encompasses medication, group and individualised therapy, spiritual and emotional care, physical wellbeing, and neuro-stimulation treatment including a new treatment known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
A regular support group will be offered to family members and support people. Allied health, including pastoral care practitioners and psychologists, will offer support and guidance, providing strategies to help create the optimal environment for families facing a loved one with PTSD, with the aim of optimising recovery and maintaining healthy relationships.
St John of God Langmore Centre will be commencing dedicated trauma day programs in May 2025. In the future, these programs could be delivered offsite to communities relevant to the needs of patients we are caring for.
Ms Norman said the program will play an important role in the support ecosystem for emergency services and defence personnel.
“Our role in providing this service is to react to the needs of an individual facing a crisis. It is our hope in the future that we can work with emergency services organisations and the defence force to play a role in education and prevention.”
The official opening of St John of God Langmore Centre new service will be held at the end of this month, with exact dates to be announced shortly.
Personnel will require a psychiatrist or GP referral and can access the program by calling the intake team on (03) 9773 7000 or emailing Langmore-intake@sjog.org.au. The program can be funded by Work Cover, DVA or with private health insurance.
