Page 4240 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 24 October 2017
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also includes supporting patients as they transition to these community-based services.
That is why the ACT government has agreed to all seven of the Auditor-General’s recommendations and we are implementing these recommendations as a priority. The focus of this work initially has been on improving ACT Health’s electronic clinical record system, MHAGIC, which has recently been upgraded. The system will now be known as MAJICeR, the Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Services, Justice Health Integrated Care eRecord, and is anticipated to go live this month, October.
The new system will enhance the ACT’s clinical reporting capabilities for inpatient and community episodes of care and also help to develop multidisciplinary communication pathways for those treating patients. As part of the implementation, ACT Health will ensure that policy, procedure and guidance manuals support the changes to the electronic records. These will form the basis for training of staff.
Another focus has been on reviewing the adult community mental health services model of care, which is currently out for final consultation. This model of care is a redesign of the existing ACMHS and aims to improve access, efficiency and clinical outcomes for mental health consumers. This model of care will provide a more integrated and contemporary service provision within the adult community mental health services.
ACT Health will work to improve processes regarding reviewing recovery plans and treatment and care plans in the adult mental health unit as a priority. A dedicated mental health, justice health, alcohol and drug services recovery planning working group has been established to progress this recommendation.
While the ACT government has a strong record of investment in the provision of mental health services, we will further strengthen the delivery and coordination of mental health services for those in our community who need them the most through the establishment of the office for mental health. The office will also be another way that the implementation of the audit recommendations will continue through 2018.
As members will be aware and as I have said in the Assembly before, the office for mental health is a key priority for me as the ACT's first dedicated Minister for Mental Health. I believe a body such as this has the potential to make real and lasting change for mental health consumers, carers and their families.
In the context of the audit report, my intent is that the new office will have a role in coordinating a range of existing support services provided by both the government and the community sector and ensuring that nobody is falling through the gaps. It will also support services to work together to ensure that the transition of care from acute-based services to community-based settings is streamlined for those using these services.
As I have said before, mental health services are a critical part of our healthcare system and the ACT government is committed to continuing to invest in better services and facilities to support some of our community’s most vulnerable to stay well in the community and reduce the demand on the inpatient setting.
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