The Federal and South Australian governments are moving to ease pressure on emergency departments by extending a mental health crisis response service to 24 hours and setting up a ‘walk in’ mental health clinic in Salisbury.
Federal Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler said, “Crisis situations don’t just happen during the day – they can happen at any time of the day or night and we need to make sure the right support is available 24-7 so that people with mental health issues don’t have to go to an emergency department.”
“The Federal Government will provide $9.5 million over five years to extend the hours of the for a crisis response service to improve our support for mental health consumers and their families.”
South Australian Minister for Mental Health John Hill said the Assessment and Crisis Intervention Service (ACIS) teams provide in-home assessment, along with support, treatment and help in gaining access to a mental health bed if necessary.
“Extending the service’s hours means community-based mental health staff will be on hand to help assess and resolve issues no matter the hour,” said Mr Hill. “It will also help to ease pressure on our busy EDs by offering services outside of the hospital.”
“These developments reflect our continued commitment to the stepped model of care, which is delivering appropriate services to people within their own communities.”
$4.7 million will be provided over five years to help develop a walk-in clinic at the community mental health centre at Salisbury. The clinic is expected to be fully operational by October. The clinic will provide a place for people with mental health issues who do not require emergency care to receive specialist assessment and treatment.
Last year, the Federal Government announced a $2.2 billion mental health reform plan to better support people with mental health issues in the community. The South Australian Government has invested $300 million in reforms to mental health services and infrastructure in response to recommendations from the 2007 Stepping Up report.