Page 1678 - Week 06 - Thursday, 3 June 2021
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safe haven cafe are being explored and preparations are underway for engaging a non-government organisation for a pilot of the community-based model.
This government has also focused on community-based care through funding for PACER and the home assessment and acute response team, which provide ongoing support for hospital diversion. The ongoing funding for a seven-day-a-week PACER service is assisting in reducing emergency department presentations. Because of PACER, 80 per cent of people seen are able to remain and receive care in the community, with only 10 per cent of those re-presenting to hospital within 14 days.
CHS experienced considerable pressure in providing acute adult mental health services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While this is understandable due to the mental health impacts of the pandemic, the government is focused on reducing acute pressure for the wellbeing of consumers and staff. Through the mental health support package, CHS established an innovative partnership with the Mental Health Foundation to provide a supportive discharge option and avoid people being discharged into homelessness. As of 24 May 2021, the Mental Health Foundation discharge support program has offset 512 acute adult inpatient bed days.
In addition to the budget initiatives, the government has also funded a range of activities to support long-term mental health and wellbeing. The mental health support package grants to non-government organisations and the COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing innovation grants program aimed at innovative programs that help build connection and mental wellbeing in local communities have been processed, with most programs and services already being implemented.
A needs assessment for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention service in the ACT was conducted through the Black Dog Institute and completed in July 2020. This assessment established overwhelming support for such a service, and the mental health support package included $250,000 to commission an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention service.
The ACT Health Directorate hosted an information session for the proposed new service on 26 March of this year. The session was a success, with 24 attendees from key local Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and mental health service providers. The discussion was collaborative and constructive around the requirements for the service. A commissioning process is being undertaken to ensure the service is designed and delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This commissioning process is expected to be completed in mid-2021.
On 3 May 2021, the ACT government opened the new Southside Community Step Up Step Down facility to deliver effective community support for people at transition points in their care needs. The step-up step-down model is a best-practice model proven to provide effective support in the community for people with more intensive support needs. Step-up step-down services offer prevention and recovery-focused care including early intervention support as soon as a person becomes mentally unwell to prevent deterioration in a person’s mental health and unnecessary hospital or acute inpatient admissions—the step-up element of the service—or transitional support for people exiting acute mental health inpatient units and returning to their usual home
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