New mental health, rehab beds in Victorian hospitals offer struggling families hope
6 years, 10 months ago

New mental health, rehab beds in Victorian hospitals offer struggling families hope

ABC  

Harriet Serafim has watched her 26-year-old son struggle with drug addiction for the past eight years. Six mental health crisis hubs will be created within the emergency departments of major hospitals at Monash, St Vincent's in Geelong, Sunshine, Frankston, and the Royal Melbourne, at a cost of $100.5 million. Monash Health's program director of mental health, Professor David Clarke, said the new hospital units would be designed so acute mental health patients were separated from general emergency cases. Support people early before it escalates, experts say The sector's peak body, Mental Health Victoria, said the budget measures were much needed, but more money needed to be spent on early intervention and community care. "Mental Health Victoria would really like to see investment into the community end, that prevents people ending up in trouble."

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History of this topic

Emergency department workers in NSW brace for fallout, increased demand in wake of psychiatrist resignations
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Emergency department workers in NSW brace for fallout, increased demand in wake of psychiatrist resignations

ABC  

As public hospitals across NSW begin to scale back their mental health services amid a wave of psychiatrist resignations, emergency room staff are bracing for the fallout. Skye Romer, a mental health nurse at Prince of Wales Hospital, as well as its NSWNMA branch secretary, said one consequence would be bottlenecks in the flow of patients across the state's public …

Vulnerable patients escaping from secure hospitals because they’re so short-staffed, regulator reveals
5 months ago

Vulnerable patients escaping from secure hospitals because they’re so short-staffed, regulator reveals

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The report by the Health Services Safety Investigation Body, …

Queensland health minister admits government is still 'playing catch-up' in public mental health provision
6 months ago

Queensland health minister admits government is still 'playing catch-up' in public mental health provision

ABC  

Warning: This article contains references to mental health and suicide. Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman admits the government is still "playing catch-up" when it comes to the provision of public mental health services in the wake of a tragic suicide. Ms Fentiman was commenting after the ABC highlighted the case of Angie Johnson, who took her own life in May, …

Psychiatrists and families call for funding overhaul of Queensland's broken mental health system
6 months ago

Psychiatrists and families call for funding overhaul of Queensland's broken mental health system

ABC  

Warning: This article contains references to mental health and suicide. Contact Emma Pollard at pollard.emma@abc.net.au No effort made to ensure safe accommodation Angelica's previous suicide attempt happened inside the Caboolture Hospital grounds after she discharged herself from that facility's mental health ward in February. "As with any unexpected death, a thorough review into the care provided to this patient and …

Psychiatrists call to upgrade Queensland's mental health units as ABC confirms 19 inpatient suicides in six years
6 months, 4 weeks ago

Psychiatrists call to upgrade Queensland's mental health units as ABC confirms 19 inpatient suicides in six years

ABC  

The college of psychiatrists in Queensland says the state government needs to spend "hundreds of millions" of dollars to upgrade decades-old mental health wards, with a concerning number of patients dying by suicide inside public hospitals over the past six years. Professor Emmerson said the state government's new payroll tax to help fund mental health services is not enough. Urgent …

Mental health study suggests patients born overseas more likely to be held in hospital involuntarily
10 months ago

Mental health study suggests patients born overseas more likely to be held in hospital involuntarily

ABC  

The first time Jasper* was admitted to hospital against her will, she was held there for more than two months. In a statement NSW Health said mental healthcare was most appropriately provided in the community, to avoid the need for emergency hospital care. "NSW Health is committed to providing the best possible mental health care and treatment in the least …

Mental health patients waiting days in emergency due to chronic bed shortages at Queensland's largest hospital
1 year, 5 months ago

Mental health patients waiting days in emergency due to chronic bed shortages at Queensland's largest hospital

ABC  

Patients with severe mental illness are having to sleep on the floor or couches inside Queensland's largest hospital due to chronic bed shortages, with some left waiting days in the emergency department. Key points: Years of frustration over the dire state of the RBWH's mental health service has prompted clinical nurse Nat Karmichael to come forward as a whistleblower The …

Experts highlight barriers to mental health support as major factor in youth homelessness
1 year, 7 months ago

Experts highlight barriers to mental health support as major factor in youth homelessness

ABC  

In short: Experts say young people experiencing homelessness are suffering from a lack of access to mental health services Experts say young people experiencing homelessness are suffering from a lack of access to mental health services What's next? CEO Vicki Sutton said their data showed up to 70 per cent of young people coming to the mission for support had …

In Australian mental health units, women are drugged up, dehydrated and retraumatised. Now they're speaking out
1 year, 8 months ago

In Australian mental health units, women are drugged up, dehydrated and retraumatised. Now they're speaking out

ABC  

When Casey* was struggling with depression and self-harm, she turned to a private mental health facility in New South Wales, seeking support. The problem, experts say, is that Australia's mental health facilities are in too many cases exacerbating patients' underlying trauma by placing them in mixed gender wards and taking a "medical first" approach based on using medication to treat …

Inequity in mental health care is widening, with treatment 'out of reach' for many Australians
2 years ago

Inequity in mental health care is widening, with treatment 'out of reach' for many Australians

ABC  

For Chantelle Gardiner, her rescue dog Ollie is more than just a pooch — he's a lifeline. Key points: Lower-income Australians feel they are being priced out of mental health care Out-of-pocket costs have been rising and there are warnings the gap between who can and cannot afford care is widening Researchers say ensuring equal access goes far beyond extra …

Fears changes to WA's mental health funding could lead to services falling through the cracks
2 years, 5 months ago

Fears changes to WA's mental health funding could lead to services falling through the cracks

ABC  

There are concerns proposed changes to the way Western Australia funds mental healthcare could lead to services falling through the cracks and not getting the attention they deserve. Key points: A review into the WA health system is urging changes to mental health help The report describes mental health services as "fragmented" The news comes as WA's mental health commissioner …

Head to Health clinics meeting unmet demand for national affordable mental healthcare
2 years, 6 months ago

Head to Health clinics meeting unmet demand for national affordable mental healthcare

ABC  

Ruth Lawrence says that somewhere between a GP and an emergency room there is a "missing middle" when it comes to mental health services in Perth. Key points: Head to Health clinics provide free, walk-in mental health support for people whose needs fit between a GP and an emergency room There are eight centres across Australia with more set to …

Victoria's mental health industry in dire straits as conditions worsen and workforce shortages continue
2 years, 9 months ago

Victoria's mental health industry in dire straits as conditions worsen and workforce shortages continue

ABC  

In the busy emergency department where mental health nurse Kim Gallaher works, people at the lowest point in their life can wait up to 12 hours before being seen. Despite the 2019 Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System and billions of dollars of investment over the past year, the sector is in dire straits. Adding salt to the wounds …

Improved mental health programs being rolled out across regional and remote communities across Victoria
3 years, 8 months ago

Improved mental health programs being rolled out across regional and remote communities across Victoria

ABC  

Mental health service providers are looking at innovative ways to deliver better support to regional and remote communities across Victoria. Key points: Beyond Blue's new mental health coaching program is proving a success The program is free and accessible without a medical referral It's hoped to better align regional services with what's offered in city areas Beyond Blue chief executive …

Victoria's hospital for acute mental health patients gets much-needed upgrade in budget
3 years, 10 months ago

Victoria's hospital for acute mental health patients gets much-needed upgrade in budget

ABC  

Victoria's hospital for the most acute mental health patients, including those too sick to be found guilty of serious crimes, will undergo a $350 million upgrade as part of Thursday's state budget. Key points: The hospital is predominately home to people found not guilty on the grounds of mental impairment The first stage of the rebuild includes a new women's …

Mental health patients to avoid restraints, further trauma thanks to new service
3 years, 10 months ago

Mental health patients to avoid restraints, further trauma thanks to new service

ABC  

Sunshine Coast residents in the midst of a mental health crisis will be the first in regional Queensland to be assessed at home by a senior mental health clinician on the front line. Key points: The Sunshine Coast is the first regional location to put a senior health clinician on the front line accompanying paramedics to patients having a mental …

WA mental health groups say government support for community care is key to hospital crisis
4 years ago

WA mental health groups say government support for community care is key to hospital crisis

ABC  

Seven years ago, Leonie Auld was deeply depressed and suicidal. "If we're looking at how do you stop code yellows, you support people so they're well and don't have to go into hospital in crisis," Consumers of Mental Health WA chief executive Shauna Gaebler said. She is calling for more support for people during the vulnerable transition out of hospital …

Victorian mental health royal commission final report finds system operates in crisis mode
4 years ago

Victorian mental health royal commission final report finds system operates in crisis mode

ABC  

Victoria's mental health system operates in crisis mode, has "catastrophically failed to live up to expectations" and must be rebuilt, a damning report from the state's mental health royal commission has found. Key points: The report says the mental health system is over-reliant on medication and last year's bushfires highlighted its failures Demand has now overtaken the capacity of the …

Millions of mental health sufferers fear returning to the workplace
4 years, 1 month ago

Millions of mental health sufferers fear returning to the workplace

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Led by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, …

Third lockdown has triggered an 'unprecedented crisis' in mental health issues
4 years, 2 months ago

Third lockdown has triggered an 'unprecedented crisis' in mental health issues

The Telegraph  

“We’re in an unprecedented mental health crisis. Social isolation, loneliness, stress and anxiety, domestic abuse, bereavement, financial difficulties, unemployment and severe Covid-19 infection are all factors that have led to an increase in workload for mental health services." A DHSC spokesperson said: “We recognise the impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health and wellbeing which is why mental health …

Daniel Andrews announces $870 million mental health system overhaul
4 years, 4 months ago

Daniel Andrews announces $870 million mental health system overhaul

ABC  

The Victorian Government will spend nearly $870 million to fix a "broken" mental health system which, it admits, is under even greater pressure due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Key points: $492 million will be spent on 120 new mental health beds in Geelong, Epping, Sunshine and Melbourne The spending is based on interim recommendations from the Mental …

Mental health system to get funding boost as Victorians struggle under weight of coronavirus burden
4 years, 7 months ago

Mental health system to get funding boost as Victorians struggle under weight of coronavirus burden

ABC  

Victoria's Mental Health Minister says the state's mental health system "wasn't fit for purpose" heading into the coronavirus crisis, with young people in particular "looking down the barrel" according to an expert. Key points: The Victorian Government will provide $250,000 towards a counselling service for nurses, midwives and personal care workers The Victorian Government will provide $250,000 towards a counselling …

Why mental health treatment can be too expensive for those who need it most
5 years ago

Why mental health treatment can be too expensive for those who need it most

ABC  

When Sarah Bryan quit her job after her mental health spiralled, she withdrew $20,000 from her superannuation account to pay for her mental healthcare costs and living expenses. In November, the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System interim report found a disproportionate number of people with mental health issues have a low income. ': Alarm sounded on youth mental …

Victoria to introduce new mental health services tax in wake of 'harrowing' royal commission report
5 years, 4 months ago

Victoria to introduce new mental health services tax in wake of 'harrowing' royal commission report

ABC  

Victoria will introduce a special tax as early as next year to help fund mental health services and fix the state's "broken" system, following an interim report from a royal commission. Key points: Premier Daniel Andrews said the Government would adopt all of the report's recommendations The commission called for the creation of new services and centres and an office …

Victoria police responding to a mental health call every 12 minutes, top officer tells inquiry
5 years, 8 months ago

Victoria police responding to a mental health call every 12 minutes, top officer tells inquiry

ABC  

A high-ranking police officer has told the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System that police are increasingly acting as first responders as they attend a growing number of mental health call-outs. Key points: Victorian police say calls involving a "psychiatric crisis" grew by almost 90 per cent in the four years to 2018 Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir says transporting …

Victoria's mental health system 'punitive', advocate tells royal commission
5 years, 8 months ago

Victoria's mental health system 'punitive', advocate tells royal commission

ABC  

Victorians living with mental illness are "just surviving" in a system that depersonalises and denigrates them, a leading mental health advocate has told the royal commission into the state's mental health system. Key points: Mental health advocates are urging decision-makers to overhaul the system Janet Meagher has described the care provided by mental health services in Victoria as vastly different …

Victoria's mental health services 'sink to the absolute bottom' with tragic consequences
6 years, 4 months ago

Victoria's mental health services 'sink to the absolute bottom' with tragic consequences

ABC  

Melbourne woman Chloe Lashay walked out of hospital in a daze, with nothing more than some pamphlets and a bus fare. Ms Lashay first came into contact with Victoria's public mental health system five years ago, when she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and complex trauma. "Patients with mental health issues who are coming to emergency departments with a …

Patients lives at risk after NDIS funding redirected, Mental Health Victoria says
6 years, 10 months ago

Patients lives at risk after NDIS funding redirected, Mental Health Victoria says

ABC  

A woman with bipolar disorders says she feels "cheated" after discovering she is no longer able to access mental health support because her illness is not considered a lifelong disability. About a thousand jobs in the community mental health sector will be lost within the next year, as tens of millions of dollars is redirected to the NDIS instead, Mental …

40 per cent of mental health units out of date or unsafe
7 years, 8 months ago

40 per cent of mental health units out of date or unsafe

Daily Mail  

Thousands of mental health patients are being treated in unsafe hospital units, warn inspectors. Two in five mental health services inspected in the last three years have not met safety requirements, the Care Quality Commission said. Some 40 per cent of NHS services and 39 per cent of private units were classed either as 'inadequate' or 'requires improvement' when it …

Ice epidemic: Victorian Government announces $81 million to fight 'poisonous' drug
7 years, 11 months ago

Ice epidemic: Victorian Government announces $81 million to fight 'poisonous' drug

ABC  

An extra 30 drug rehabilitation beds will be available for addicts languishing on public waiting lists as part of an $81 million Victorian Government plan to help ice-users. Next week's state budget will also include $10 million to buy land to build three new residential treatment centres with a total of 60 beds in the Gippsland, Hume and Barwon regions. …

Mental health funding boost in Victoria to target those at risk of committing crime
7 years, 11 months ago

Mental health funding boost in Victoria to target those at risk of committing crime

ABC  

The Victorian Government has revealed a $70-million plan to improve services for people with mental illnesses at risk of committing crimes, in an effort to prevent them from entering the justice system. The plan will see $40 million put towards expanding the Thomas Embling Hospital, a forensic facility where people with mental health issues who commit violent crimes are often …

Transgender community calls for fast-tracked mental health services to avoid lengthy wait for hormones
8 years, 4 months ago

Transgender community calls for fast-tracked mental health services to avoid lengthy wait for hormones

ABC  

Victoria's growing transgender community is demanding greater action to tackle long public waiting lists to access hormone therapy. "The last few years in particular, we've seen exponential increases in the number of trans and gender-diverse clients accessing medical care, and as a result the public clinics have become overwhelmed," she said. "Mental health support is recommended for everyone … but …

New Royal Adelaide Hospital mental health unit promises end to shackling in SA emergency departments
9 years, 9 months ago

New Royal Adelaide Hospital mental health unit promises end to shackling in SA emergency departments

ABC  

Mental health patients might no longer be shackled in emergency departments in South Australia once the new Royal Adelaide Hospital opens next year. State Health Minister Jack Snelling said the design for the new mental health unit meant patients could bypass stays in the general emergency department. Much more freedom promised for patients Mental health advisor to the SA Government …

Mental health facility with 20 acute beds opens at James Nash house in Adelaide
9 years, 10 months ago

Mental health facility with 20 acute beds opens at James Nash house in Adelaide

ABC  

A new $22 million forensic mental health facility officially opened at James Nash House in Adelaide will ease pressure on hospital emergency departments, the State Government says. Increasing demand for mental health services has resulted in patients waiting for specialised care in hospital emergency departments for days. "I'm not going to pretend this is the panacea, but it will help …

Mental health patients 'overlooked' in SA Government's Transforming Health paper
10 years, 1 month ago

Mental health patients 'overlooked' in SA Government's Transforming Health paper

ABC  

There are concerns mental health patients have been overlooked in the South Australian Government's health system shake-up with doctors describing conditions as "inhumane" for those spending days in emergency departments. "It's part of our health system which is failing to deliver for very unwell mental health patients," Dr Pope said. He said "horrendous and inhumane" conditions in the emergency department …

Mental health nursing is 'most dangerous profession' in Victoria, new research finds
10 years, 7 months ago

Mental health nursing is 'most dangerous profession' in Victoria, new research finds

ABC  

More than one in three mental health nurses in Victoria have been physically assaulted over the past year, making it the most dangerous profession, research from the University of Melbourne has found. "So pretty remarkable, not such a good state of affairs, I think, for mental health workers in Victoria." "The Victorian community expects that we look after our nurses …

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