A practical guide to setting up a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) service.

Objective: This paper outlines the process of developing a transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) service in a private hospital setting, to provide a model for similar services elsewhere in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods: The practical issues involved in setting up the service, including funding, staffing, equipment, treatment protocols and associated research, are described.

Results: The service has been widely accepted by psychiatrists and patients. Forty-five patients have completed treatment and the research results show a significant clinical response to rTMS.

Conclusions: Clinicians involved in the service have found both the clinical and research components rewarding. In the longer term, the issue of ongoing funding of rTMS services remains to be resolved.