Outpatient Clinic – Charles Perkins Centre
Life expectancy of people with serious mental illness is 25-30 years shorter than the general population.
This discrepancy is largely due to the impact of a range of cardiometabolic risk factors.
Because having a mental illness is an independent risk factor for developing metabolic disorders,
NSW Health has recommended mental health patients have a physical health check-up
every six months in the community and every three months if hospitalised.
What is the ccCHiP cardiometabolic clinic?
- It is a multidisciplinary clinic that includes Psychiatry, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Dentistry, Dietetics, Exercise Physiology and Nursing.
- The service has been providing an outpatient clinic that cares for the needs of the mentally ill in the community; specifically within the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) catchment since May 2014.
- Outpatient clinics are held weekly at Charles Perkins Centre.
- The clinics run on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm-4.30pm.
Who should I refer?
- Consumers under the care of community mental health centres in the SLHD.
- Community mental health clients from other LHDs with relevant risk profiles.
- People in the wider community with serious mental illness.
How does it work?
- At the clinic we check blood pressure, blood sugar, waist circumference, height and weight. Blood results are also reviewed and a short history taken from the patient. We will then suggest a treatment plan for any identified cardiometabolic issues.
- Considerable psycho-education, around diet and exercise, will also be provided and a number of regular group based activities are progressively being implemented.
What are the relevant cardiometabolic issues?
- Elevated lipids or blood sugar levels
- High blood pressure
- Deranged thyroid levels
- Diagnosed diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular disease or thyroid disease
- Obesity
- Strong family history of cardiometabolic disease
How do I refer?
Please download the following PDF form and send it via email or fax.
For further information, please see below the contact details of Nick Brisbane, ccCHiP Liaison Officer:
Tel: (02) 9767 6027 and (0) 476 827 077
Fax: (02) 9767 7107
Email: referrals@ccchip.clinic