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 for the remaining frontline workers, Ms Gallaher said, is that mental health workers in the public health system have not had a rise since April 2019. Another mental health sector insider, who did not want to be named, said Victoria was lagging far behind other states in recruiting and retaining frontline staff despite all the planned reforms to the sector. "Without the care of our dedicated mental health professionals, the new beds, inpatient facilities and community mental health services we're busy building won't get Victorians the support they need — that's why this year's budget delivered the largest investment in our mental health workforce in this state's history," Mr Merlino said.

Mental Health Services Workers Pay Mental Need Kim Victoria Staff Victorian Mental Health Workers Health Workforce Gallaher Ms Gallaher  shortages  victorias  worsen  gallaher  straits  ms  industry  health  workforce  services  pay  need  system  mental  continue  workers  staff  dire

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 …

Health workers fear 'apocalyptic' outcomes for NSW emergency departments to follow psychiatrist exodus
2 months, 1 week ago

Health workers fear 'apocalyptic' outcomes for NSW emergency departments to follow psychiatrist exodus

ABC  

Doctors have warned of "apocalyptic" conditions in NSW's emergency departments if the mass exodus of psychiatrists goes ahead. "The emergency department will quickly fill up with patients with mental health needs so people with heart attacks and broken legs won't be able to get in," he said. 'Crisis rates' on offer to doctors to fill out NSW psychiatry mass exodus …

Mental health system a 'nightmare' for vulnerable Australians and needs urgent fixes, AMA warns
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Mental health system a 'nightmare' for vulnerable Australians and needs urgent fixes, AMA warns

ABC  

The Australian Medical Association has issued a serious warning about the state of the nation's mental health system, claiming it's failing those who need it the most. The peak body for doctors said the number and quality of mental health beds in public hospitals also needed urgent attention as backlogs were leading to poor health outcomes. Other changes the AMA …

Spike in mental health insurance claims sees more Australians leaving the workforce for good
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Spike in mental health insurance claims sees more Australians leaving the workforce for good

ABC  

Jamie was once proud to introduce himself as a painter and decorator, a career he held for almost 20 years in the construction sector. CALI CEO Christine Cupitt said there had been an almost 10 per cent increase every year for a decade in the rate of people who put in a claim through their life insurance for total permanent …

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 …

Workshy Brits could lose handouts after 12 months as Rishi Sunak warns benefits bill is 'unsustainable' and 'life worries' are not a reason to dodge jobs - suggesting specialist teams NOT GPs should d
11 months, 1 week ago

Workshy Brits could lose handouts after 12 months as Rishi Sunak warns benefits bill is 'unsustainable' and 'life worries' are not a reason to dodge jobs - suggesting specialist teams NOT GPs should d

Daily Mail  

Rishi Sunak unveiled a 'moral mission' to get Brits off benefits today as he warned that numbers out of the workforce are 'unsustainable' and 'tragic'. In a major speech today, Rishi Sunak will warn that a surge in people signed off sick with mental health conditions is placing 'unsustainable' pressure on the welfare budget Your browser does not support iframes. …

Psychiatrists urge the government to address critical mental health workforce shortage
11 months, 1 week ago

Psychiatrists urge the government to address critical mental health workforce shortage

ABC  

In short: More than 500 psychiatrists signed an open letter to the federal health minister urging the government to address workforce shortages last month. More than 500 psychiatrists signed an open letter to the federal health minister urging the government to address workforce shortages last month. RANZCP president Elizabeth Moore said long wait times for patients seeking critical mental health …

Three in four NHS staff are struggling with mental health, new figures reveal
11 months, 1 week ago

Three in four NHS staff are struggling with mental health, new figures reveal

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. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Three in …

The rise of the suburban mental health sicknote: Every part of Britain sees a rises in incapacity benefit claims - with some of the largest increases in affluent commuter belt towns - see how many hav
11 months, 2 weeks ago

The rise of the suburban mental health sicknote: Every part of Britain sees a rises in incapacity benefit claims - with some of the largest increases in affluent commuter belt towns - see how many hav

Daily Mail  

Every parliamentary constituency in Britain saw a rise in incapacity benefit claims last year - with some of the largest increases driven by a surge in mental health problems in affluent areas. Mental health problems affect more than a third of 16 to 34-year-olds out of work due to long-term illness and account for 69 per cent of all medical …

Why Britain’s mental health crisis threatens to doom a new generation
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Why Britain’s mental health crisis threatens to doom a new generation

The Telegraph  

“For the past 10 or 15 years, we have had an increase in the percentage of people requiring mental health support,” says Smith, who focuses on treating young adults. Last year 1.2 million people were on the waiting list for community mental health services. A growing number of school children are suffering with mental health conditions, meaning that unless something …

UK at risk of becoming a ‘burnt-out nation’, mental health charity warns
1 year, 2 months ago

UK at risk of becoming a ‘burnt-out nation’, mental health charity warns

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK is at risk of becoming a “burnt-out nation”, …

A year after the government halved psychology subsidies, Australians are delaying or foregoing treatment
1 year, 2 months ago

A year after the government halved psychology subsidies, Australians are delaying or foregoing treatment

ABC  

Since rebates for psychology sessions were halved a year ago, the cost of living crisis has forced Australians to compromise and even forego critical mental health care. Psychologist rebates halved for mental health patients Photo shows Mark Butler frowns at a press conference Subsidised visits to psychologists will be halved within weeks, with the new federal government abandoning a program …

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 …

Almost half of doctors say their mental health is worse than during pandemic
1 year, 7 months ago

Almost half of doctors say their mental health is worse than during pandemic

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Nearly half of our members tell us their mental health is worse now than …

The silent crisis crippling Britain’s public finances
1 year, 8 months ago

The silent crisis crippling Britain’s public finances

The Telegraph  

Among those who are not working because of sickness, almost 620,000 cite mental health problems as the cause, a jump of more than one-third from just under 460,000 a decade ago. As well as infecting millions, the pandemic also overwhelmed parts of the health service, delayed treatment for other conditions and contributed to vast waiting lists – meaning those who …

Scandal-hit mental health hospitals must not be allowed to pass the buck
1 year, 9 months ago

Scandal-hit mental health hospitals must not be allowed to pass the buck

The Independent  

It is rare for those who fail to care for people when they are at their most vulnerable to take responsibility for what has taken place on their watch. Now we find that the chief executive of a group of children’s mental health hospitals has stood down after this newspaper exposed “systemic abuse”. Dr Sylvia Tang, chief executive of Active …

Millions of mental health patients ‘facing NHS delays or missing out’
2 years, 1 month ago

Millions of mental health patients ‘facing NHS delays or missing out’

The Independent  

Millions of people with mental health problems, including children with eating disorders, are missing out on NHS treatment or face lengthy waits, the National Audit Office has said. The NAO said current mental health services are under “continued and increasing pressure”, with many people using them also reporting poor experiences. The watchdog noted the Covid pandemic had disrupted NHS performance, …

Fears of mass exodus of hospital workers as doctors and nurses face burnout
2 years, 9 months ago

Fears of mass exodus of hospital workers as doctors and nurses face burnout

ABC  

A senior doctor has warned Australians will soon no longer be able to assume that if they get sick there'll be an ambulance, hospital bed or doctor to take care of them. Key points: John Wilson, outgoing president of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, says the healthcare system "is failing" Nurse Hayley Chandler says she left healthcare due to …

Mental health funding plan stalled over fight between state and federal governments
3 years ago

Mental health funding plan stalled over fight between state and federal governments

ABC  

Critical support for an increasing number of Australians with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression has stalled, as the states and federal government argue about the details of a multi-billion-dollar funding plan promised more than a year ago. Key points: States and territories have still not agreed on a national mental health plan that was meant to be finalised …

Counsellors plead for Medicare cover to ease regional mental health crisis
3 years, 1 month ago

Counsellors plead for Medicare cover to ease regional mental health crisis

ABC  

A workforce of thousands is ready to tackle the mental health fallout from the pandemic's Omicron wave, but they’re not being fully utilised, counsellors say. Key points: Regional psychologists are being forced to close their books to new clients Registered Counsellors want to be put on the Medicare Rebate Scheme to help ease the pressure The Omicron wave is expected …

‘I’ve waited days and hours for a bed’ : Mental health services facing ‘desperate’ situation
3 years, 3 months ago

‘I’ve waited days and hours for a bed’ : Mental health services facing ‘desperate’ situation

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 Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. I think one of the worst parts about the whole experience of going into hospital …

The Covid-19 fallout: An imminent mental health epidemic among health workers
3 years, 5 months ago

The Covid-19 fallout: An imminent mental health epidemic among health workers

Hindustan Times  

During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak of 2003, a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders were noted among health care workers. The occupational burnout During the Covid-19 pandemic, a systematic review across 21 countries found a high prevalence of moderate depression, anxiety, and PTSD among health care workers. The situation among Covid-19 warriors is …

Mental health workers suffer burnout as they struggle with increased lockdown demand
3 years, 6 months ago

Mental health workers suffer burnout as they struggle with increased lockdown demand

ABC  

Mental health workers are suffering from burnout as they struggle to keep up with a surge in patients living through with repeated lockdowns. Key points: Lockdowns are triggering increased demand for mental health services There is concern over burnout and fatigue among health professionals Wait lists to see a mental health professional can be as long as six months As …

Doctors reveal 'staggering' mental health crisis as 'pandemic fatigue' takes toll
3 years, 7 months ago

Doctors reveal 'staggering' mental health crisis as 'pandemic fatigue' takes toll

ABC  

A surf club identity on the Gold Coast has spoken publicly about his battle with "pandemic fatigue" in a bid to help others who are suffering in silence. Key points: Gold Coast surfing identity Steve Edgar reveals his battle with "pandemic fatigue" A Brisbane GP says 50 per cent of patients have pandemic-related mental health issues The waiting time to …

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 …

Regional Victoria gets mental health budget boost but education and health spending on hold
3 years, 10 months ago

Regional Victoria gets mental health budget boost but education and health spending on hold

ABC  

Regional Victorians will benefit from a massive boost in mental health services and businesses in the bush will get a tax cut as part of the Victorian government's state budget. Key points: Eight out of 22 new mental health clinics will be set up in regional Victoria $700 million in mental health funding has been promised to young people living …

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 …

The Most Common Ways The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Affected Mental Health
4 years ago

The Most Common Ways The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Affected Mental Health

Huff Post  

Alexandra Bowman for HuffPost Bent Not Broken is a look back on the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has disrupted our mental health, plus advice on how to manage our well-being moving forward. “Dealing with grief and loss, whether that be the loss of a loved one to COVID-19 or the loss of our expectations for …

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 …

People with mental health issues worried about returning to office post-lockdown
4 years, 1 month ago

People with mental health issues worried about returning to office post-lockdown

The Independent  

New data shows people living with mental health problems are more likely to be concerned about returning to the office once coronavirus restrictions ease. “The worry I have is that some people think going back to “normal” will be like a flick of a switch, when it needs to be much more gradual for both clinical reasons and for mental …

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, …

Mental health of NHS staff placed under further strain as Covid hospitalisations continue to rise
4 years, 2 months ago

Mental health of NHS staff placed under further strain as Covid hospitalisations continue to rise

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 Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. And in a letter sent to doctors on Tuesday, the UK’s chief medical officers said …

More people signed off sick with mental health problems during lockdown, analysis reveals
4 years, 3 months ago

More people signed off sick with mental health problems during lockdown, analysis 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 Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The proportion of people applying for fit notes from their GP …

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 …

The government’s neglect of pandemic mental health support is about to lead to a huge crisis
4 years, 5 months ago

The government’s neglect of pandemic mental health support is about to lead to a huge crisis

The Independent  

If the rhetoric from ministers about prioritising mental health were matched by anything resembling reality, the UK would not have too much to worry about on this vital issue. Ministers would much rather be filmed in shiny new hospitals; the cameras rarely capture them visiting mental health units or care homes. But one, the Centre for Mental Health, predicts that …

Queensland doctors and psychologists facing a 'tsunami of mental health presentations' after months of coronavirus limitations
4 years, 5 months ago

Queensland doctors and psychologists facing a 'tsunami of mental health presentations' after months of coronavirus limitations

ABC  

Hundreds of people seeking mental health support due to the coronavirus pandemic in Queensland are on waiting lists up to three months long to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist, as the sector struggles to meet the high demand. Pushing doctors 'over the precipice' Family Doctors Plus director and AMA Queensland council member Dr Maria Boulton said general practitioners were …

If the government doesn’t act now, mental illness will be the second pandemic
4 years, 6 months ago

If the government doesn’t act now, mental illness will be the second pandemic

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Just think of the mental health …

Mental Health in the US is Suffering—Will It Go Back to Normal?
4 years, 6 months ago

Mental Health in the US is Suffering—Will It Go Back to Normal?

Wired  

After a particularly devastating transport, Rosemary, an emergency medical technician who works in the Boston area, realized that she was struggling emotionally. “That one almost broke me.” Rosemary reached out to Project Parachute, an initiative run by the online therapy platform Eleos that provides free therapy for frontline health care workers. Rosemary is just one of the many people who …

Victoria's coronavirus restrictions roadmap could exacerbate anxiety and prolong economic pain, experts say
4 years, 6 months ago

Victoria's coronavirus restrictions roadmap could exacerbate anxiety and prolong economic pain, experts say

ABC  

The Victorian Government's roadmap to easing coronavirus restrictions has been met with varied reactions. "Our data showed us that we started not only flattening the curve but started to push it down with stage 3 plus masks before we even saw the effects of stage 4," she said. "I think we only had to go through stage 4 this time …

Doctor’s Note: Coronavirus and the toll on mental health
4 years, 6 months ago

Doctor’s Note: Coronavirus and the toll on mental health

Al Jazeera  

Personal coping strategies and investment in mental health infrastructure is needed to help us through the pandemic. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people around the world with ill mental health was staggering. Fear and anxiety have increased Although we do not yet have a complete picture of how the pandemic has affected people’s mental health, and indeed …

As offices reopen, employers face a surge in mental health issues
4 years, 7 months ago

As offices reopen, employers face a surge in mental health issues

Wired  

The UK workforce is in the grip of a mental health epidemic. At the beginning of this year, global consultancy Deloitte estimated that a sixth of UK workers were experiencing a mental health issue at any one time, costing UK businesses between £42-45 billion a year through lost days and reduced productivity. Thanks to the coronavirus-imposed lockdown, that figure – …

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 …

Let’s stop pretending people with serious psychosis can be fully independent, and give them the support they need
5 years ago

Let’s stop pretending people with serious psychosis can be fully independent, and give them the support they need

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Despite repeated government claims that it …

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 …

The mental health system isn't working as it should. Here's how we could fix it
5 years, 4 months ago

The mental health system isn't working as it should. Here's how we could fix it

ABC  

Mental health concerns cost Australia up to $180 billion a year - or $500 million every day - in lost productivity and participation, according to economic research group, the Productivity Commission. It's not a surprise to a lot of you, but the report found that forcing people who are experiencing a mental health crisis into the hospital system was not …

What to expect as Victoria's mental health royal commission wraps up
5 years, 8 months ago

What to expect as Victoria's mental health royal commission wraps up

ABC  

It was nothing like the child sex abuse or banking royal commissions. Mental health advocate Janet Meagher told the commission patients too often experienced a "punitive" approach in mental health services. "This commission was established not only to look at the shortcomings," but also to envisage "what mental health services might look like in the future," she said. Mental health …

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 …

Wayne Schwass tells Victoria's mental health royal commission of his struggle with depression
5 years, 8 months ago

Wayne Schwass tells Victoria's mental health royal commission of his struggle with depression

ABC  

Former AFL footballer Wayne Schwass has described the "overwhelming shame and guilt" and an internalised narrative of masculinity that kept him from seeking help with his mental illness, in evidence given on the first day of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. Key points: Schwass said it took him years to seek treatment for depression The royal commission …

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