MEDICUS MARCH 2016

C O V E R S T O R Y

Close collaboration with clinicians and key stakeholders is integral to the achievement of sustainable improvement to the mental health of Western Australians, says WAPHA Chair Dr Richard Choong

L ate last year the Australian Government released its Response to the Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services. Australia’s 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) were given an integral role in the reform process, particularly through the planning and commissioning of primary mental health services at a regional level, supported by a flexible funding pool for mental health and suicide prevention services. From 2018, under the auspices of the WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), WA’s three PHNs (Perth North, Perth South & WA Country) will commission all regionally delivered Commonwealth funded primary mental health and suicide prevention services in this State. change is needed to create a high- performing mental health system that supports the wellbeing of our patients. We welcome the shift in the government’s mental health focus from downstream to upstream services – from income support and crisis responses, to preventing illness, keeping people well, supporting recovery and providing stable housing and participation in employment, education and training. Given the unique tyrannies of geography that exist in WA, the new approach to regional service integration is expected to lead to real improvements in efficiency and patient outcomes. The WA PHNs will lead mental health planning and integration at a Doctors in Western Australia recognise only too well that

The establishment of the WAPHA Mental Health Expert Advisory

regional level, in partnership with clinicians, area health services, the WA Mental Health Network and the WA Mental Health Commission. Close and ongoing collaboration with these, and other key stakeholders, is integral to the achievement of sustainable improvement to the mental health and wellbeing of Western Australians. From 1 July this year, Commonwealth mental health program funding will be transitioned to the

Group (EAG) and PHN Clinical Commissioning Committees (CCCs) has been an effective mechanism to ensure that Psychiatrists and GPs are well represented throughout the planning and commissioning processes

PHNs to form a newly created mental health

Dr Richard Choong

flexible funding pool. I want to stress the importance of

front-of-mind in the work of the WA PHNs. What are our priorities? Mental health priorities for the PHNs have been clearly defined and include: • Regional mental health plans to identify needs and gaps, reduce duplication and remove inefficiencies; • Improved links and innovative approaches to support clinical care co-ordination for people with severe mental illness and complex needs, including new joined up assessment arrangements; • Integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional wellbeing services and other services at a local level;

the flexibility aspect as PHNs will use this funding to commission regionally delivered primary mental health services suited to local needs within a stepped care model. The stepped-care system means that patients can access a level of care appropriate to their individual needs at the time. I know that the vast majority of my colleagues recognise the merits of this approach – provided that the appropriate systems, services, acute and sub-acute facilities and specialist care are firmly in place to ensure that no one falls through the cracks, or does not have access to the specific services they need at a particular point in time. The recommendations of the 2012 Stokes Review in respect to access to safe and quality mental healthcare remain relevant today, and are

• Cross sectoral approaches to early

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