Page 840 - Week 03 - Thursday, 2 April 2020
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Health Networks (LHNs) to implement integrated planning and service delivery at a regional level.
In the ACT, Capital Health Network has led the development of the ACT Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan 2019 – 2024 in partnership with Canberra Health Services (CHS), ACT Health Directorate (ACTHD) and sector stakeholders.
An overarching framework has been finalised and an accompanying Implementation Plan and Monitoring and Performance Plan are due for completion over the next few months.
The framework document outlines the priorities that will be actioned locally between 2019 and 2024 to promote better integration and coordination, including clearer pathways for people who use mental health services and resources to help people to navigate the system more easily.
For example, stakeholders will collaborate and partner in the planning, funding and delivery of services, opportunities will be explored for co-location and interdisciplinary ways of working, and actions to promote increased awareness of mental health programs and services in primary care and community services.
Another example of standardised treatment pathways across the mental health system can be found in the Health Pathways that were developed in partnership between the Primary Health Networks of ACT and South Eastern NSW, as well as health services of ACT Health and the Southern NSW Local Health District. These standardised health pathways are available for various health professions and cover a range of health conditions, including mental health. These pathways were specifically designed to support; (a) assessment, management and referral of patients using evidence-based practice and (b) the navigation of inpatient, outpatient and community services within local health systems.
Public mental health services position/philosophy is ‘no wrong door’ and supports multiple access points into the system (including Walk-in Centres, Emergency Department presentation, community health centres and phone lines) where the person will be guided to the most appropriate service.
(b) While there is no specific plan currently for further ‘system navigators’ to be introduced as part of ACT’s public mental health services, efforts continue to make services more accessible and to streamline processes. For example, as part of the redesigned Adult Community Mental Health Services (ACMHS) program, the Access Mental Health Team was introduced in November 2018 and provide a 24-hour, 7 day a week centralised phone intake, assessment and referral service with a free call number (1800 629 354) which any person can call to seek advice, information or assistance. Access Mental Health Team assists people to connect with the most appropriate mental health service or other treatment, care and support as indicated. This team also has dedicated phone lines for General Practitioners and Emergency Services.
(2) Without any specific data, it would be speculative to hypothesise the various reasons why a person may decide to (or not) follow through on seeking assistance or alternative treatment options interstate.
ACTHD is developing a Territory-wide Health Service Plan (the Plan) that is expected to be completed by mid-2020. The Plan will identify priorities for health
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