Mental Health Emergency Response service rolls out in Devonport

The Tasmanian Government is continuing to expand access to timely emergency mental health services across the State.

Tasmania’s highly successful Mental Health Emergency Response service – which began operating in the South in 2022 and in the North West from Burnie late last year – has now expanded its coverage to Devonport and surrounds.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Guy Barnett said that this expansion was a key commitment under the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

“It’s fantastic that Mental Health Emergency Response North West has expanded its compassionate community-based mental health services to people in the Devonport area," Minister Barnett said.

“Since the service was established in Southern Tasmania in 2022 and then expanded to Burnie in November 2023, we have seen the benefits of providing respectful, dignified, and compassionate care to people experiencing mental health distress in the community.

“The Burnie service has assisted hundreds of Tasmanians – out of 336 callouts so far, 77 per cent of people have been supported to remain in the community, avoiding unnecessary Emergency Department attendances and hospital admissions.

“Mental Health Emergency Response has responded to over 4,000 people in the South since 2022, with 72% of them being supported to remain in the community.

“Not only do people have better recovery outcomes by avoiding unnecessary hospital stays, but these community-based interventions reduce pressure on our hospitals, ambulance and police services.”