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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 05 Hansard (Tuesday, 25 May 2004) . . Page.. 2222 ..

Mental health—services
(Question No 1437)

Mr Smyth asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 31 March 2004:

(1) How much of the $400 000 allocated in 2003-04 to expanding community teams to deliver mental health services has been expended;

(2) How many additional staff have been hired to fulfil an increase in staffing and hours of operation for the residents of Tuggeranong and Woden;

(3) What is the caseload of staff working in these community teams.

Mr Corbell: The answer to the member’s question is:

(1) The calculated expenditure for the Mobile Intensive Treatment Team (MITT) up to Monday, 5 April 2004 is $125,000. The under expenditure is directly related to timing issues for attracting suitable staff. The function is now staffed.

(2) A total of 4 additional staff has been recruited. The hours of operation are 8:30am to 9:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday / public holidays.

(3) The current caseload of staff working in MITT is 11 clients.

Canberra Psychiatric Unit
(Question No 1438)

Mr Smyth asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 31 March 2004:

(1) In relation to the discharge planner at the Canberra Psychiatric Unit, when was a person hired in this role after the announcement of $80 000 in the 2003-04 Budget to fund this role;

(2) Has only one person held this position since its inception; if not, how many persons have held this position;

(3) How has this role provided improved coordination between the inpatient, hospital services and case managers in the community;

(4) How has this role provided improved support and a continuum of care for mental health clients across the hospital and community settings.

Mr Corbell: The answer to the member’s question is:

(1) The position was filled in September 2003.

(2) Two people initially shared the position part time. For consistency, it was found to be more efficient for one person to hold the position full time.

(3) The designated discharge planner provides a single point of contact for coordinating the transition from PSU to the community for clients. The discharge planner works

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