In Mind - GP Update | September 2025

In Mind

GP Update from Deakin Private Hospital

Welcome to the September edition of In Mind, our regular GP update.

Deakin Private Hospital continues to provide timely access to specialist psychiatry services, with very short to no waiting periods for new referrals.

If you’re ever unsure which specialist or program is best for your patient, our Admissions Coordinator is available to guide you via phone 1800 961 391 or email dkn.admissions@imh.com.au.

This month, we share an exciting upcoming GP education event, introduce Dr Ash Vaikyl to our team, celebrate recent achievements, and highlight how we’re making the inpatient journey smoother for your patients.

Spotlight | Upcoming Event: Veterans Community of Practice

We’re pleased to share that Dr Julie Simes-Phillipps and Clinical Nurse Consultant Lana Barrett will be presenting at the upcoming Veterans Community of Practice event, hosted by Provocatus.

In this evidence-based session, they’ll share insights from the development of a phenotype-focused PTSD inpatient model and frontline nursing practice illustrated through three real-world case studies.

You’ll gain practical insights into:

• A phenotype-focused PTSD care model integrating mental, physical and functional recovery,
• Collaborative, patient-centred pathways demonstrated through case studies,
• Trauma-informed, respectful and family-inclusive admission support,
• Practical steps for multidisciplinary teams across hospital and into community care.

Webinar: Supporting Defence & First Responders in hospital admission
Wednesday 17th September, 7PM AEST

Register

Who can attend: Open to all AHPRA-registered healthcare providers — including GPs, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Pharmacists, OTs, and Allied Health — as well as Social Workers, even if not AHPRA-registered.

This session may be counted as 1 hour of self-directed CPD. Please confirm eligibility with your professional registration board.

New to our team

We are delighted to welcome Dr Ashish (Ash) Vaikyl to our psychiatry team.

Dr Vaikyl is a board-certified psychiatrist accredited by the RANZCP, with specialist training in child and adolescent psychiatry. He has extensive experience in the RAAF, providing emergency and trauma care in operational and aeromedical retrieval settings both in Australia and overseas.

He is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young people, helping them regain stability in their mental health and reach their full potential. He focuses on early intervention, patient empowerment, and collaborative care, working closely with patients and families to achieve positive outcomes.

Dr Vaikyl is accepting referrals for new inpatients only.

Accepting referrals now
 

News and Updates

Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Teresa Foce Award

Congratulations to Clinical Operations Director, Dr Ava Carter, who has been awarded the 2025 Teresa Foce Award for Outstanding Service to Mental Health from the ACT branch of the RANZCP.

This prestigious award recognises exceptional dedication to patients, the profession, and the broader community – qualities that Dr Carter demonstrates every day through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to mental health care.

We are honoured to have Dr Carter as part of our team and delighted to see her extraordinary contributions recognised in this meaningful way.

Improving Patient Experience: New Admissions Handbook

We’ve recently introduced a patient admissions handbook, designed to make the transition into inpatient care smoother and less overwhelming. While this resource is primarily for patients and families, we hope it gives GPs confidence that those you refer will be supported from the very first step of their journey with us.

View

Community at Deakin: R U OK? Day

Our staff came together to mark R U OK? Day with a morning tea and shared reflections. Events like these remind us of the importance of connection, not just for our patients but within our workplace community.