❓ Hon Jim Scott questions the Minister for Health regarding the adequacy of mental health services in Rockingham, citing long wait times. The Minister acknowledges concerns, outlines existing services, and expresses satisfaction with current resource allocation while noting planned improvements.
AnsweredQoN 273Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Has the Minister received correspondence from the City of Rockingham regarding the inadequacies of mental health services in the Rockingham district?
(2) Is the Minister aware that mental health patients in the Rockingham district at times have to wait up to two days before receiving professional help?
(3) Has an analysis of the mental health patient population and proximity to existing mental health services been carried out?
(4) If yes, will the Minister please table that survey?
(5) Is the Minister satisfied that the Rockingham district has an adequate level of mental health services for the patient population?
(6) If no, what action will the Minister take to improve the current situation?
(2) Is the Minister aware that mental health patients in the Rockingham district at times have to wait up to two days before receiving professional help?
(3) Has an analysis of the mental health patient population and proximity to existing mental health services been carried out?
(4) If yes, will the Minister please table that survey?
(5) Is the Minister satisfied that the Rockingham district has an adequate level of mental health services for the patient population?
(6) If no, what action will the Minister take to improve the current situation?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 November 2001
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Health
Response time
22 days
1.
Yes.
2.
Rockingham Kwinana has a number of organisations that deal with Mental Health issues, these include General Practitioners, the public mental health sector, private psychiatrists and non government agencies which deal with significant primary care and specialized community mental health issues.
The waiting times for these vary from hours to weeks dependent on the nature of the mental health condition.
The Mental Health Service can respond in two hours if a psychiatric emergency occurs and an urgent response is required for adults and older people.
The Psychiatric Emergency Team also covers the Rockingham Kwinana area as a 24-hour service.
3.
The document titled The document titled "Purchasing Intentions 1999-2002 - An outline of Mental Health Services to be purchased for Western Australians" has been produced by the Mental Health Division. In determining the purchasing of services the aim is to work towards the equitable distribution of resources throughout the State, particularly in relation to regions and specific populations.
4.
Planning at the local level has also been undertaken and is documented in the SW Metropolitan Corridor Mental Health Services – Strategic Directions 1998-2003. Department of Health officers will forward this document to you.
A copy of "Purchasing Intentions 1999-2002 - An outline of Mental Health Services to be purchased for Western Australians" is attached. See tabled paper.
Within the constraints of a finite allocation of funds for Health and based on analysis of regional distribution of resources throughout the metropolitan region the Minister is satisfied that the Rockingham district has an adequate level of mental health services. A regional/area framework approach will continue to be used for the planning and purchase of mental health services.
5.
In 2001-2002 an expansion of the public Mental Health support to Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) agencies in the area will be purchased and negotiations are occurring to address improved after hours emergency services to the region. A copy of the report "Let's make it happen!" – WA SAAP Protocols is attached. See tabled paper.
6.
No applicable
Yes.
2.
Rockingham Kwinana has a number of organisations that deal with Mental Health issues, these include General Practitioners, the public mental health sector, private psychiatrists and non government agencies which deal with significant primary care and specialized community mental health issues.
The waiting times for these vary from hours to weeks dependent on the nature of the mental health condition.
The Mental Health Service can respond in two hours if a psychiatric emergency occurs and an urgent response is required for adults and older people.
The Psychiatric Emergency Team also covers the Rockingham Kwinana area as a 24-hour service.
3.
The document titled The document titled "Purchasing Intentions 1999-2002 - An outline of Mental Health Services to be purchased for Western Australians" has been produced by the Mental Health Division. In determining the purchasing of services the aim is to work towards the equitable distribution of resources throughout the State, particularly in relation to regions and specific populations.
4.
Planning at the local level has also been undertaken and is documented in the SW Metropolitan Corridor Mental Health Services – Strategic Directions 1998-2003. Department of Health officers will forward this document to you.
A copy of "Purchasing Intentions 1999-2002 - An outline of Mental Health Services to be purchased for Western Australians" is attached. See tabled paper.
Within the constraints of a finite allocation of funds for Health and based on analysis of regional distribution of resources throughout the metropolitan region the Minister is satisfied that the Rockingham district has an adequate level of mental health services. A regional/area framework approach will continue to be used for the planning and purchase of mental health services.
5.
In 2001-2002 an expansion of the public Mental Health support to Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) agencies in the area will be purchased and negotiations are occurring to address improved after hours emergency services to the region. A copy of the report "Let's make it happen!" – WA SAAP Protocols is attached. See tabled paper.
6.
No applicable
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