I am pleased to announce that Dr Aaron Groves has been appointed to the position of Chief Psychiatrist in Tasmania.
Dr Groves will commence in late November and work closely with local stakeholders, including mental health services, the community sector, consumers and carers, to support the delivery of high quality, integrated mental health care that meets the needs of those who use it.
Dr Groves comes to the role from South Australia, where he most recently held the position of Chief Psychiatrist and Director of Mental Health Policy with the Department of Health and Ageing.
He has extensive experience in the mental health sector, having led Mental Health programs in Queensland and Western Australia as well as undertaking the statutory role of Chief Psychiatrist in Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia.
Dr Groves will also perform the statutory roles of Chief Civil Psychiatrist and Chief Forensic Psychiatrist under the Mental Health Act 2013, with the power to intervene directly in the assessment, treatment and care of patients.
Dr Groves is committed to contributing his knowledge and expertise to shaping mental health policy and clinical practice in Tasmania and working on the implementation of initiatives under the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy.
I thank Professor Ken Kirkby for his contribution as the Acting Chief Psychiatrist and acknowledge his ongoing commitment to delivering the best outcomes for both clients and staff of mental health services.
I look forward to working with Dr Groves on implementing a truly integrated mental health system that provides support in the right place, at the right time and with clear signposts about where and how to get help.