About Us

“A good doctor understands responsibility better than privilege and practice accountability better than business,”

We are invested in better health experience and understanding. We are committed to the best medical practice and strive to provide the best possible care for our clients. We work towards providing the best holistic care for a person as an individual and a family. This hub will provide community the opportunity to have multiple specialists working towards a better and healthier community

Dr Arshad Merchant

MBBS, FRACGP, MRCGP (UK) General Practitioner

Dr Merchant is a self-confessed workaholic who, provides extended complex GP services for patients in the Blue Mountains since 2012. He also provides GP services at residential aged care facilities. He finds working with older people to be an extremely rewarding experience.

“A good doctor understands responsibility better than privilege and practice accountability better than business,”

Dr Merchant is committed to improving the quality of life of his patients and their loved ones. He spends as much time with his patients as they need and he listens carefully. Dr Merchant is invested in long-term doctor-patient relationships and has a holistic approach to the person in the context of their family and community.

Dr Arshad Merchant had completed his primary medical qualification from Liaquat Medical College Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan in 1996, receiving Merit 10^th position. He completed his fellowship training in internal medicine at the Civil Hospital Karachi in Pakistan.

His interest in evidence-based practice and quality improvement led him to the topic of his Fellowship of College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (FCPS) training dissertation on hirsutism in women. He participated in a range of other projects including the role of low dose ACE inhibitors on microalbuminuria in diabetic patients and the role of steroids in tuberculous pleural effusion. He was a co-author of a case report of a rare legionellosis and was a researcher in an international phase 3 trial of an oral medication for erectile dysfunction.

In 2003, Dr Merchant moved to the UK and obtained his Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) certification. After completing his training in internal medicine, he undertook specialist general practice training at Guys and St Thomas’s Hospital. There he was mentored by excellent trainers who supported him through a life-changing process of understanding and practicing the great responsibility and honour of being a family physician.

Dr Merchant is a Fellow of Royal Australian College of General Practitioner (RACGP), member of Royal College of General Practitioner (UK) and member of General Medical Council, UK.

He continues an active engagement in evidence-based medicine and quality improvement and is part of an evidence-based journal club for GPs in Blue Mountains. In 2019, he published a case report on an unusual case of sore throat which was caused by herpes zoster. This case report later received citation.

In December 2021, Dr Merchant had the great honour of being awarded ‘Most Outstanding GP in Australia’ at the Australian Patients’ Awards. What made this award most meaningful was to him was that it was initiated by nominations from his patients.

DR ILEANA HATTON

Clinical Psychologist

Effective evidence-based therapy with a holistic approach

Evidence-based treatment is used most often to treat diagnosable conditions (i.e. Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Anorexia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) where symptoms are preventing the ability to function adequately in work or study, relationships, social activities, exercise or hobbies or are causing immediate and excessive distress.

Available at Homedale Health Hub in Springwood on every Tuesday

Book an appointment – InBody Psychology

About ME

My path into psychology and embodied practice, began not in a classroom, but with my own body. In my late teens, I faced a significant health challenge: Stage 3 endometriosis. The conventional medical path offered hormonal fixes and surgery, but my intuition urged a different way. Fueled by determination, I embarked on a personal healing journey that led to a remarkable outcome: today, I live with ZERO symptoms – no pain – I am a proud mother of two children, CONCEIVED NATURALLY despite multiple medical prognoses that this would never happen. The peaceful home birth of my second daughter during the 2021 lockdown was another testament to the power of trusting one’s own body and inner guidance.

You can read more about this journey on QENDO here.

My formal education is extensive, including a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, and PhD from the University of Sydney. Yet, it was my four years with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) that profoundly reshaped my understanding of healing. Completing three missions – two in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and one on the border of Somalia and Ethiopia – revealed the universal language of the body, transcending cultural, linguistic, and age divides.

Upon returning to Australia, my clinical work continued in Acute Care Services (Liverpool Hospital) and Community Mental Health (RPA Hospital, Camperdown). These experiences deepened my fascination with the body as the primary communicator of our deepest truths. This fascination propelled me into almost a decade of my own intensive, long-term therapy with a therapist in Israel. This profound internal work, exploring my own psyche, parts, and deep layers of wounding, became an invaluable foundation for how I now guide others.
My healing journey, which is ongoing, has led me to explore a diverse range of powerful practices: Hakomi, Acuenergetics, 5 Rhythms, Kabbalah and Tibetan Buddhism. These modalities inform my unique approach, allowing me to bridge the gap between the mind and body, particularly concerning chronic disease. I passionately believe the body always shows us the truth, whether through subtle sensations, persistent symptoms, or profound intuitive knowing.
When I’m not in session, you’ll find me exactly where I feel most alive: immersed in nature, camping with family and friends in the Australian bush, knee-high in a flowing river, dancing or playing drums with community. I live the principles I share – that true well-being is found when we are deeply connected, grounded, and in tuned with our authentic selves.

Services and Fee’s

The cost of a 60-minute appointment is $240/ hr.
** Dr Hatton offer reduced rates according to a sliding scale in cases of financial hardship. The decision about when this is applied is at the discretion of Dr Hatton.
Contact Dr Ileana Hatton
Free 15 min discovery calls are available if you just want to chat to see if I am a good fit for your needs.
Book an appointment – InBody Psychology
I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals and support your wellbeing.

Available at Homedale Health Hub in Springwood on every Tuesday

Mountain Mums Lactation Consultancy

As a Lactation Consultant, I have specialised in supporting and empowering the breastfeeding journey, whether it is before or after the arrival of your baby..

Breastfeeding can be a roller coaster of emotions and challenges especially within the first few weeks of the parenting journey. It is both instinct and learned skills that you and your baby will develop over time.

Challenges often occur and you may need some assistance and reassurance, but as your breastfeeding skills develop, you will be able to experience a wonderful connection with your baby as they grow.

About ME

I am the mother of a beautiful cheeky boy who is full of life and brings me so much joy. I have experienced that rollercoaster of emotions and challenges with my breastfeeding journey and I have sought that extra reassurance from my fellow colleagues.

I am a registered nurse and registered midwife and hold an International Board Certificate for Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). I am a member of our professional body LCANZ (Lactation Consultant Australia and New Zealand). I am also a member of the Australian Breastfeeding Association and ILCA.

My goal is to help you achieve a successful and fulfilling breastfeeding journey.

Services and Fee’s

If you are experiencing any breastfeeding challenges such as painful nipples, difficulty latching, low supply, slow weight gain, mastitis, or would like antenatal breastfeeding education, a lactation consultant is necessary.

Noting that every mother and baby are unique and what might work for one, might not work for another, a personalized breastfeeding plan will be developed with you to meet your needs and goals.

Mountain Mums Lactation Consultancy works out of Homedale Health Hub Springwood NSW.

For any further information about services and fees please call 0482 634 348

Joanna Merchant – Speech Pathologist

Helping adults who have speech, language and/or swallowing difficulties to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life…

Joanna completed her degree at the University of Sydney and is a current Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia. She is passionate about helping adults who have speech, language and/or swallowing difficulties to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. She enjoys working with people who have neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia and strokes and strives to keep her knowledge and skills up to date. Joanna has worked in hospitals in Australia and the UK including Concord Hospital in Sydney and Northwick Park hospital in London. She also has experience working in aged care facilities and community settings.

She is currently available for appointments on Thursday mornings.