There has been some concern about Dr Hugh Mestitz's imminent retirement. For those that don't know Dr Mestitz has treated people with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia at Hobart Royal Hospital for many years and the fear is that with his retirement people will need to travel to Melbourne for their ongoing treatment and care. I contacted Dr Mestitz today and I can assure you that he is not going to leave any of his patients in the lurch. He has assured me that no one will need to travel to Melbourne. This is from my correspondence with him "I am reviewing all these (narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia) patients of mine before I retire at the end of May and I am facilitating ongoing prescribing of dexamphetamine, modafinil and armodafinil for them for a period of 36 months. No-one will need to go to Melbourne to get their medications prescribed." He will be referring his patients to Dr Josie Larby in Launceston. Dr Larby has agreed to take on people with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. EDIT: 25 April 2020, Dr Larby will not be taking on any more people with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia. If you need to see a sleep specialist your GP should be able to refer you to one that will take on people with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Access to sleep studies for people with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia and a lack of sleep physicians with an interest and training in non respiratory sleep disorders is an issue in all States and Territories of Australia, particularly in rural areas. It is something that the Australasian Sleep Association, RACP, and the Department of Health are aware of so hopefully the discussion at the recent sleep health inquiry will encourage them to do something about it. If you are a patient of Dr Mestitz and you are concerned about your ongoing care and treatment call his office 03 6214 3038 or 6214 3041 and ask for an appointment. Make sure you let the receptionist know why you need to see him.