Mental Health

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Mental health is health, that's why we have a shared approach to mental health in NSW.

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Mental health is health
A shared approach to mental health

March 2011

Mental health is health
For too long mental health has been seen as something other than a health issue. For too long we have seen mental health treatments separated from general health, leading to greater isolation and stigmatisation. For too long we have allowed a diagnosis of mental health to define a person, rather than define and treat a condition that affects their health and life. But mental health is a health concern like any other – and we need to embrace that, both as Government, and as a community. In NSW, there are more than 1.1 million people living with mental health concerns. While this affects them, it also impacts on their families, friends, workmates and carers; we need to ensure that mental illness is only ever an element of life, not a definer. That’s why we are investing in integrating mental and general health care. That’s why we have focussed on expansion of services that support those living with a mental illness, as well as their families and carers. That’s why we’ve been working with both small and large organisations to help them support the mental health and wellbeing of their employees. That’s why we continue to invest in numerous mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention measures. And because mental health, like general health, is a life-long and holistic process, we are expanding mental health support to include specialist services for mums and bubs, children and adolescents, older people and families. This has all been underpinned by continued record investment in mental health, this year totalling $1.2 billion. Our commitment to mental health is about ensuring that a health condition remains only an aspect of life; and that treatment and care allow engagement with a rich and productive life to continue. That is what we would expect in any other area of health. Mental Heath is no different.

What this policy means for our community
NSW Labor is determined to expand and strengthen services that support those living with a mental illness and their families and carers. We know that building peoples’ resilience and intervening early can prevent mental illnesses from taking hold. We also know that providing appropriate support for those living with a mental illness helps them to remain active members of our community. This $98 million policy will help deliver on our five key priorities: 1. Improving outcomes for people with a mental illness 2. Reducing the rate of hospital readmissions within 28 days 3. Reconnecting people with a mental illness to employment and their community 4. Reducing rates of suicide and self harm; and 5. Expanding specialist mental health services across the lifespan, from perinatal period and childhood and adolescence, through to family and older person’s mental health services.

ACTION:
New perinatal mental health service Invest $13.6 million to set up an eight-bed mother and baby inpatient unit, allowing mothers to maintain the close bond with their baby while receiving the care and support they need to be well again Invest $16 million to expand maternity and post-natal home visits to support mothers at risk of post-natal depression More community-based child & adolescent services Invest $14 million to set up Assertive Community Response teams in three pilot sites in Western Sydney, the Hunter and the Illawarra. These Assertive Community Response teams will develop and deliver tailored community-based mental health interventions for children and adolescents Reducing homelessness Invest $20.8 million to double the number of packages available through the highly regarded Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI), bringing the total to 2,200 packages delivered across NSW. HASI helps people with a mental illness to maintain independent tenancies and receive ongoing mental health care and support in the community Supporting rural and remote communities Invest $5.92 million to expand the number of Declared Mental Health Facilities throughout rural and regional NSW – meaning that patients can be treated closer to home Supporting Families and Carers Commit $8 million in funding to our Family and Carer Mental Health Program – which funds NGOs to provide ongoing services and support to families and carers of those living with a mental illness

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Driving a strong mental health research agenda Continue to invest $500,000 a year to secure here in NSW, world leading Schizophrenia researcher, Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert, as the Chair of Schizophrenia Research and support the groundbreaking research being undertaken in the hope that it will lead to improved treatments for schizophrenia and one day, a cure Invest $3 million to set up a Mental Health Clinical Academic Research Program to support the development of career researchers within the area of mental health Expanding specialist older persons mental health services Commit $3 million to expanding the Specialist Older Persons Mental Health Unit at the Calvary Mater Hospital in the Hunter Supporting those with comorbidity Invest $6.9 million to set up two Drug and Alcohol Involuntary Treatment Centres in NSW - the centres will provide short-term involuntary treatment of persons with severe substance dependence with the aim of improving their health and safety, followed by six months of assertive aftercare Tackling depression Continue our $1.2 million a year investment in beyondblue – the national depression initiative – to continue the delivery of services here in NSW, in partnership with government, schools and community organisations Continued growth of inpatient mental health infrastructure Providing a state-of-the-art inpatient mental health system to increase access to intensive support when people need it. This includes: - A new Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre at Blacktown Hospital; - A Safe Assessment Room at Mt Druitt Hospital; - A 20-bed sub-acute unit at Wyong Hospital; - An additional 70 beds at Campbelltown Hospital and new mental health services as part of the Liverpool Hospital redevelopment

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Labor and Mental Health
NSW Labor is determined to improve outcomes for those living with a mental illness. This includes helping them to stay well in the community, while providing a state of the art inpatient mental health system to provide more intensive support when they are unwell. We are increasing the mental health literacy of our community through education in our schools, workplaces and in the community. We know that the earlier we intervene, the greater the opportunity there is for a person living with a mental illness to complete their studies and/or maintain their employment, remain engaged in their community and experience reduced rates of admission to hospital. Early intervention and prevention initiatives provide the best opportunity for people to stay well and receive the care they need. NSW Labor is committed to a robust research agenda and continues to invest in some of the world’s top mental health researchers. These top researchers are currently working to better understand the nature of mental illness, to develop cures and more effective treatment options, and develop techniques to identify and diagnose mental disorders as early as possible. In 2006, the NSW Labor Government announced the landmark $939 million New Direction for Mental Health package. This major investment in mental health has resulted in large scale growth of our mental health workforce and inpatient and community-based services across the State. In that time, we have also established policies in the following areas: Aboriginal mental health; perinatal mental health; multicultural mental health; child and adolescent mental health; physical healthcare; community mental health; suicide prevention; and an interagency action plan for better mental health. Labor’s record investment Since Labor came to Government in 1995 the mental health budget has tripled, and now stands at a record $1.231billion for 2010/11; The mental health workforce has increased by 20 per cent in the past six years, with more than 8,600 mental health workers across NSW; and There are now 2,636 mental health beds across NSW (as at June 10). The NSW Labor Government has delivered 547 additional mental health beds since 2001, with 108 due by end of 2010/11

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Our Challenges
While NSW Labor has achieved significant growth across the mental health sector, there remain a number of challenges. Firstly, the rapid growth of services has highlighted the nationwide shortage of mental health nurses and clinicians. This presents an ongoing challenge in recruiting to the growing number of services being provided across the State. NSW Labor recognises the need to expand community-based mental health services. The NSW Labor Government has invested heavily in the expansion of inpatient services to ensure we have the capacity for our increasing population. We will ensure our community-based services are strong and meet the ongoing needs of those living with a mental illness. This will help people to manage their illness in the community and reduce the rate of readmission to hospital. The NSW Labor Government has been progressively expanding capacity across both the inpatient and community sector. NSW Labor will continue its efforts to further reduce the rate of suicide, particularly in atrisk groups. We will do this by implementing the initiatives outlined in the NSW Suicide Prevention Strategy. Currently, NSW has the lowest rates of suicide in the country, however we all know that every suicide has a deep and lasting impact on families and the whole community and that is why we will keep working hard to reduce rates further.

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Our Record LABOR
Since Labor came to Government the mental health budget has tripled, and now stands at a record $1.231billion for 10/11. There are now 2,636 mental health beds across NSW (as at June 10). We’ve delivered 547 additional mental health beds since 2001, with another 108 to come on line by the end of 2010/11.

OPPOSITION
No investment - The mental health budget has increased threefold since the Opposition were in Government. ($356mil in 94/95) The Coalition has failed to make any alternate mental health policies since the 2007 election. Even their 2009 social policy framework Smarter, stronger, healthier, safer made ZERO policy suggestions to improve outcomes for people with a mental illness. There were no surprises then, that the Start the Change policy document (launched Sept 2010) continued the trend of their lacklustre efforts in mental health with yet again, ZERO policies in this vital area. The Council of Social Services NSW (NCOSS) said in their submission to the Coalition on their policy Smarter, Strong, Healthier, Safer, “we believe that the Coalition’s three policy proposals and areas of investigation are inadequate and will not achieve their healthier policy goals or social policy priorities.” (pg.6) On 2 December 2010 the NSW Liberals/Nationals announced $2 million annual funding for Lifeline The Coalition Mental Health Policy suggests a Mental Health Commission but provides no detail on how this would be funded, its structure, governance, responsibilities or interface with Government

Delivered the landmark $939 million New Direction for Mental Health Package (announced in 2006). For the first time 82% of new money was directed towards community based care for patients, instead of in-patient care. The mental health workforce has increased by 20% in the past six years, with more than 8,600 mental health workers across NSW. More than 50 rural hospitals are set up with telepsychiatry services providing expert mental health care closer to home and reducing the need for unnecessary hospital transfers. 1,480 assessments have been held since 08/09 The $38 million Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) has delivered over 1,100 placements, helping people with a mental illness to maintain independent tenancies and receive ongoing mental health care and support in the community 861 mental health nursing scholarships provided since 2005 and 485 professional development scholarships for NGO workers in the Mental Health sector Developed and implemented the new Mental Health Act 2007. The Act incorporates greater emphasis on consumer, carer and family participation in treatment plans and promotion of community integration and engagement for people with a mental illness. Also developed and implemented the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 2008, the most significant reforms in forensic mental health in NSW, moving the process for decisions relating to the care, treatment, detention and release of forensic patients from the Minister to a panel of medical and legal experts. The Act also strengthens the role of victims in Tribunal hearings.

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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The NSW Labor Government successfully implemented the Second Interagency Action Plan for Better Mental Health. It provides a framework ensuring a whole-of-government approach to the care and support of people with a mental illness Established NSW’ first forensic hospital. The 135-bed Hospital at Malabar is a high security mental health facility for adults and adolescents found not guilty by reason of mental illness; those unfit to plead; and mentally disordered offenders or those at risk of offending The NSW Multicultural Mental Health Strategy was launched in 2009 to ensure the mental health needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities are met throughout NSW The Physical Healthcare Guidelines were launched in 2009, recognising the complex health needs of those living with a mental illness and the important impact physical health can have on our mental health and wellbeing The NSW Government appointed a Chief Psychiatrist in 2009 to provide expert advice on mental health policy development for NSW The NSW Labor Government funds both the Chair of Schizophrenia Epidemiology and Population Health and the Macquarie Foundation Chair of Schizophrenia Research – both Australian first positions working to improve the evidence base and understanding of schizophrenia The NSW Labor Government invest $16 million in the development of the Brain and Mind Research Institute’s Youth Mental Health Clinical Research Facility at Camperdown The Aboriginal Mental Health Worker program has resulted in the establishment of 47 Trainee positions across the state and has seen its first graduates of the program. These staff work in community mental health teams to address the complex needs of Indigenous Australians and assist Indigenous communities to better engage with mental health services The NSW Labor Government has invested almost $90 million over five years to expand specialist mental health services for older people. This includes the roll out of community teams, behavioural assessment and intervention teams and inpatient units specially designed for the care and treatment of older people We are funding a Personality Disorder Project to develop a best practice treatment model for people with personality disorders. The service will be first specialist service for personality disorders in NSW and is a partnership with the Uni of Wollongong

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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The NSW Labor Government launched the first statewide Electroconvulsive Therapy Guidelines in 2010. The Guidelines ensure a consistent, best practice approach to the delivery of electroconvulsive therapy across NSW The NSW Government also established the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health. The Centre is working to improve delivery of mental health services to communities in rural and remote NSW In 2009, the NSW Labor Government opened the Walker Unit – a world first, 12-bed intensive mental health unit for severely mentally ill children and adolescents

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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New perinatal mental health service
When young mothers experience mental health problems, it can be during the perinatal period and they can be successfully cared for in the community. However, those experiencing a severe and complex depressive episode or psychotic illness may require more intensive treatment, only available in the inpatient environment. International and national experts say that admitting a mother and baby together promotes optimal bonding, attachment and breastfeeding during the crucial period of early infant development. In addition to this, it can avoid the trauma of separation which affects both mother and baby. Studies have also shown that joint admissions of mother baby leads to a shorter duration of admission, lower relapse rate and improved maternal competence. NSW Labor will set up a specialist mother baby unit, allowing care and supervision of mother and newborn (up to 12 months old), enables simultaneous care for both a mother’s mental health and the development of her identity as a mother. The development of parenting skills can also aid recovery through increased confidence and positive self thought. The unit will be located in Western Sydney, a region with the highest birth rate in the NSW. A new eight-bed perinatal mental health service, funded at $3.4 million a year, will support families and carers by engaging them in education, self care, relapse prevention and referrals to local community supports. NSW Labor will also expand maternity and post-natal home visits to support mothers at risk of post-natal depression, investing $16 million to expand the number of nurses providing these home visits, ensuring mums receive ongoing and sustained care in the home.

ACTION: Invest $13.6 million to set up an eight-bed mother and baby inpatient unit, based in Western Sydney, allowing mothers to maintain the close bond with their baby whilst receiving the care and support they need to be well again Invest $16 million to expand maternity and post-natal home visits to support mothers at risk of post-natal depression

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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More community-based child and adolescent mental health services
We know that 50 per cent of people living with a mental illness showed recognisable symptoms before age 15 and only some 25 per cent of young people access any mental health services even though 65 percent will require mental health support Each acute psychotic episode diminishes the long term capacity of the individual, resulting in a compounding effect of disability. Early intervention can reduce the severity and frequency of these episodes, maximising the capacity or level of functioning of the individual now and in the future. Early intervention and prevention services for young people help ensure greater understanding and management of their illness. Supporting greater stability in a person’s mental illness has flow on effects to key areas such as education, employment, relationships and community engagement. That’s why NSW Labor will invest $14 million in the establishment of specialist Assertive Community Response Teams, who will develop targeted interventions and provide swift and customised care to children and adolescents in the community. Improving the long term health outcomes for the individual reduces the burden of disease on the individual, their family and carers and the community. It will also ease the pressure on public health services, particularly acute and inpatient care.

ACTION: Invest $14 million to set up Assertive Community Response teams in three pilot sites in Western Sydney, the Hunter and the Illawarra. These Assertive Community Response teams will develop and deliver tailored community-based mental health interventions for children and adolescents

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Reducing homelessness
For many people living with a mental illness, accessing and maintaining safe and affordable housing is a key foundation in stabilising their lives and their illness. To respond to this need, the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) was implemented by the NSW Labor Government. HASI is a state-wide partnership between NSW Health, Housing NSW and non government organisations and ensures the provision of housing, clinical support and rehabilitation for people with a mental illness. The program has to date supported more than 1,100 people across NSW, with assistance ranging from low to very high levels of support. The NSW Labor Government also implemented a specialised HASI program providing culturally specific support for Aboriginal people living with a mental illness. NSW Labor will invest a further $20.8 million to double the number of HASI packages, bringing the total to 2,200 people living with a mental illness and at risk of homelessness who will receive this vital support. HASI is having great success in re-engaging participants with their local community and reducing hospital readmissions. A longitudinal study into HASI Stage One by the University of NSW identified an 81 per cent reduction in the participants time spent in hospital and emergency departments, 85 per cent remained with the same housing provider, 94 per cent had established friendships and 73 per cent were participating in social and community activities. This award winning initiative is, in just six years, a $38 million program supporting more than 1,000 people with a mental illness to stay well and experience an improved quality of life.

ACTION: Invest $20.8 million to double the number of packages available through the highly regarded Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) over four years, bringing the total to 2,200 packages delivered across NSW - HASI helps people with a mental illness to maintain independent tenancies and receive ongoing mental health care and support in the community

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Supporting rural and remote communities
NSW Labor recognises the unique challenges that impact on the mental health of those living and working on the land in rural NSW. The impacts of severe environmental conditions such as flood and drought have had a significant impact on the resilience of rural communities. Geographical and social isolation add to the difficulties and challenges facing many rural and farming families. This can have a considerable toll on those struggling to manage their mental health and wellbeing. Increasing access to local inpatient and community-based mental health services is a key commitment of NSW Labor. Boosting the number of Declared Mental Health Facilities will allow people to receive care closer to home, in local hospitals. This means less travel time for the individual, as well as their families and carers who provide that crucial familial support. For families in regional and remote parts of NSW we know these are tough times, both economically and environmentally, which is why the delivery of vital mental health services remains a top priority for NSW Labor.

ACTION: Invest $5.92 million to expand the number of Declared Mental Health Facilities throughout rural and regional NSW – meaning that patients can be treated closer to home

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Supporting families and carers
Around 750,000 people in NSW identify themselves as carers, with around one in 10 of these carers helping someone with a mental illness. Since many people fulfilling this role do not readily identify themselves as a “carer”, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates the actual number of mental health carers in NSW may be up to 110,000. Caring for someone with a mental illness is a task undertaken with great love and compassion and is very satisfying when loved ones are thriving. However in the difficult times, caring for someone with a mental illness can cause physical and emotional overload, frustration and poor health. NSW Labor will invest an additional $8 million in the NSW Family and Carer Mental Health Program, which provides funding to non-government organisations and all Local Health Networks to support families and carers of those living with a mental illness. The program aims to ensure that families and carers have access to appropriate information and options for support at all points within their caring journey at the time they need it, and ensuring information and support is delivered in a sensitive and evidencebased manner. The NSW Family and Carer Mental Health Program, already funded at $4.96 million a year, also provides support to young carers who face particular challenges in completing their secondary education, maintaining social networks and getting into paid employment. This comes on top of the issues often encountered by other carers, such as isolation and feelings of helplessness. By supporting young carers, the program is helping to prevent long term disadvantage and health problems in young carers. NSW Labor is committed to supporting this initiative which delivers education and training, advocacy, individual and peer support and promotes greater participation of families and carers in the treatment and recovery of their loved ones. By educating families and carers about mental illness and providing them with coping strategies, they are more able to help mental health consumers manage their illness, thereby helping to prevent acute admissions and enabling consumers to integrate better into the community.

ACTION: Commit an additional $8 million to the Family and Carer Mental Health Program – which funds non-government organisations (NGOs) to provide ongoing services and support to families and carers of those living with a mental illness

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Driving a strong mental health research agenda
Driving a strong research agenda will help in the delivery of a best-practice model of care where clinicians and mental health workers are exposed to some of the latest research and evidence-based information to help in the treatment of those living with a mental illness. NSW Labor is determined to continue its support of mental health researchers and their efforts to improve the treatments available to those living with a mental illness, as well as those working to find a cure. Advancements in the field of mental health research will deliver improved outcomes for some of the community’s most vulnerable members. The Chair of Schizophrenia Research is the first position of its kind in Australia and is undertaking groundbreaking research into the effectiveness of new medications in the treatment of schizophrenia. The NSW Labor Government has been very proud to support her role and this potentially life-changing research and NSW Labor will continue that support, with $2 million towards the position from 2011/12-2014/15. NSW Labor will also invest $3million in the establishment of a Mental Health Clinical Academic Research Program designed to provide support those with outstanding potential for development as a researcher. The program will drive collaborations and foster the exchange of ideas between mental health researchers, as well as helping to ensure the latest evidence-base is disseminated to Local Health Networks. NSW Labor’s continued investment in mental health research has already secured five of the world’s top 10 leading mental health researchers working in our universities and research institutes. We are world leaders in mental health research and our continued investment in this field will ensure that tradition continues.

ACTION: Continue to invest $500,000 a year to secure here in NSW world leading Schizophrenia researcher, Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert, as the Chair of Schizophrenia Research and support the groundbreaking research being undertaken in the hope that it will lead to improved treatments for schizophrenia and one day, a cure Invest $3 million to establish a Mental Health Clinical Academic Research Program to support the development of career researchers within the area of mental health

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Expanding specialist older persons mental health services
We know of the high prevalence of mental health disorders in older people and in particular, high rates of major depression, anxiety disorders and behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia. According to current estimates, there are about 71,400 people with dementia in NSW (Access Economics, June 2005). Approximately 11 per cent of this group (Brodaty et al, 2003), or 7,850 people will experience severe behavioural and psychiatric symptoms Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People (SMHSOP) support and care for older people with acute mental illness and/or severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and/or mental illness. The delivery of four additional beds in the Specialist Older Persons Mental Health Unit at the Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle, will result in an increase in direct care nursing hours and additional dietetics and clinical psychology support and will bring to 22 the total number of specialist beds available in the Unit. NSW Labor is determined to increase the ability of Local Health Networks to respond to the needs of older people with complex mental health problems and their families and carers.

ACTION: Commits $3 million to expanding the Specialist Older Persons Mental Health Unit at the Calvary Mater Hospital in the Hunter

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Supporting those with co-morbidity
We know that those with co-morbid mental illness and substance use disorders are likely to experience more severe and chronic medical, social and emotional problems than if they had a single disease or disorder. A ‘snapshot’ data survey conducted in 2005, found that about 10.7 per cent of 2,769 NSW Health mental health clients with an identified diagnosis also had a known drug or alcohol disorder. NSW Labor will invest $6.9 million in the establishment of two Drug and Alcohol Involuntary Treatment Centres in NSW. The Centres will provide for the short-term involuntary treatment of persons with severe substance dependence for up to 28 days and up to three months, if required, with the aim of improving their health and safety, followed by six months of assertive aftercare. This is a significantly different approach from the long-term hospital solution offered by the Inebriates Act 1912. The Evaluation of the Involuntary Treatment Unit Trial at Nepean Hospital concluded that it was more effective for providing drug and alcohol treatment to the target group and was more consistent with contemporary values regarding human rights and dignities of severely substance dependent people.

ACTION: Invest $6.9 million to establish two Drug and Alcohol Involuntary Treatment Centres in NSW - the centres will provide short-term involuntary treatment of persons with severe substance dependence with the aim of improving their health and safety, followed by six months of assertive aftercare

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Tackling depression
In Australia, there are around one million adults and 100,000 young people living with depression each year. An Australian Burden of Disease study estimated that in 2006, more than 600,000 people across NSW suffered from depression and/or anxiety, which is why NSW Labor is determined to continue its investment in initiatives that support those living with depression. Nationally, depression is currently the leading cause of non-fatal disability, yet less than 50 per cent of people with depression receive medical care. Depression-associated disability costs the Australian economy $14.9 billion annually, with more than 6 million working days lost each year. The National Depression Initiative beyondblue was established to launch a community response to depression and partners with governments, schools and community organisations, as well as people living with depression. NSW Labor will invest a further $4.8 million in beyondblue and its efforts to raise awareness of depression and related disorders in NSW, enabling communities to respond effectively and individuals to receive the care they need.

ACTION: Continue our $1.2million a year investment in beyondblue – the national depression initiative – to continue the delivery of services here in NSW, in partnership with government, schools and community organisations

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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Continued growth of inpatient mental health infrastructure
The NSW Labor Government has maintained a strong commitment to building the State’s network of inpatient mental health services. This includes providing a range of specialist services to support people across the stages of an acute episode and their subsequent recovery through mental health intensive care and high dependency units, acute and subacute units and day-units to assist in the transition from inpatient to community-based care. NSW Labor is determined to continue expanding inpatient services to ensure the community has access to specialist inpatient mental health care that is close to home, when they are most unwell. NSW Labor will deliver a number of new state-of-the-art inpatient services across New South Wales and will continue its strong record of integrating mental health services into the wider health setting, recognising that mental health care is strengthened through easy access to other health services such as physical health care. The $64.7 million expansion of the Campbelltown Mental Health Service will include the redevelopment and expansion of existing inpatient services to include an additional 70 beds and will provide a mix of acute services and enhanced specialist care. The new Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre at Blacktown Hospital and the Safe Assessment Room at Mt Druitt Hospital will provide a separate space for specialist assessment and monitoring of mental health patients presenting to emergency departments and reduce delays in accessing care and delivering better outcomes for patients. A new 20-bed sub-acute acute unit at Wyong Hospital will form part of the major $120million expansion of Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, whilst new services to be delivered at Liverpool Hospital will form part of the massive $289.9 million stage 2 works in the major redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital.

ACTION: Providing a state of the art inpatient mental health system to increase access to intensive support when people need it. This includes a new Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre at Blacktown Hospital, a Safe Assessment Room at Mt Druitt Hospital, a 20bed sub-acute unit at Wyong Hospital, an additional 70 beds at Campbelltown Hospital and new mental health services as part of the Liverpool Hospital redevelopment

NSW Labor | Mental health is health | March 2011

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