Today we have released the results of a review and stakeholder consultation on the state’s mental health services and system, a key part of the Hodgman Liberal Government’s Rethink Mental Health Project.
The Government has a three-pronged approach to tackling all parts of our broken health system. This includes the White Paper on Clinical Services released this week, the comprehensive Preventative Health strategy currently being developed by the Healthy Tasmania Committee, and the Rethink Mental Health Project.
The Rethink Mental Health Project is part of the Government’s election commitment to develop a ten year plan for an integrated mental health system that provides support in the right place, at the right time, and with clear signposts and about where and how to get help.
In September last year, we completed the first stage of the Rethink Mental Health Project, a significant literature review and summary report of relevant local, national and international mental health policy.
Now, we have completed and released the second stage, a review report of stakeholder feedback that will inform the development of the ten year plan for Mental Health Services.
The Review Report is a summary of the information provided during the consultation process by individual consumers, families and carers, health professionals, GPs, service providers, including private practitioners, community-based public mental health teams and community sector organisations.
The review outlines people’s hopes for the future of the system. It confirms that stakeholders see a range of opportunities but there is also an array of stakeholder concerns around our mental health system.
The purpose of this report is not to test the accuracy of the information provided, but to present the views, opinions and perceptions of those involved in the mental health service system.
The Government will now consider all of the issues raised in the Review Report and will deliver a long-term plan for mental health, which will be released during Mental Health Week in October 2015.
The Plan, when developed, will provide a strategic framework for government investment over the next decade, ensuring a contemporary approach to mental health, both at a population level and in the way services are delivered to people with a mental illness.
The clear focus of the Rethink Mental Health Project is to achieve better outcomes for consumers, their families and carers.
The Mental Health Council of Tasmania is a key partner in the Rethink Mental Health project, working closely with key stakeholders, service providers, consumers and the Government’s Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Directorate.
The review report is available from www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/mentalhealth/rethink_mental_health_project.