❓ A parliamentary question raises concerns about the operation of the 'South West 24' mental health crisis line, specifically regarding after-hours service from Sydney and a delayed response to a suicidal individual. The Minister's response defends the service, questions the accuracy of the claims, and outlines improvements to mental health services in the South West.
AnsweredQoN 3418Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is it true that ‘South West 24’, the mental health crisis telephone call centre for people in the South West of Western Australia is operated from Sydney ‘after hours’ weekends?
(2) Is the Minister aware that the mother of a suicidal man living in the South West was put on hold for 30 minutes by ‘South West 24’ after the man had doused himself in petrol?
(3) Is the Minister aware that the Sydney based operator told the parent to go to her nearest psychiatric unit which was two and a half hours away?
(4) Is the Minister aware that the mother was advised to get her local hospital to fax a report to the psychiatric unit but, as the call was made on a Saturday, the report could not be sent until the following Tuesday?
(5) Will the Minister cease practice of using a Sydney based operator for ‘South West 24’?
(6) What other plans does the Minister have for improving crisis management of psychiatric patients living one to three hours away from Bunbury in the South West of Western Australia?
(7) How does ‘South West 24’ link with ‘Rural Link’, a crisis call centre for non-metropolitan people provided by the Psychiatric Emergency Team in Perth?
(2) Is the Minister aware that the mother of a suicidal man living in the South West was put on hold for 30 minutes by ‘South West 24’ after the man had doused himself in petrol?
(3) Is the Minister aware that the Sydney based operator told the parent to go to her nearest psychiatric unit which was two and a half hours away?
(4) Is the Minister aware that the mother was advised to get her local hospital to fax a report to the psychiatric unit but, as the call was made on a Saturday, the report could not be sent until the following Tuesday?
(5) Will the Minister cease practice of using a Sydney based operator for ‘South West 24’?
(6) What other plans does the Minister have for improving crisis management of psychiatric patients living one to three hours away from Bunbury in the South West of Western Australia?
(7) How does ‘South West 24’ link with ‘Rural Link’, a crisis call centre for non-metropolitan people provided by the Psychiatric Emergency Team in Perth?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
23 May 2006
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Health
Response time
20 days
The Hon Member, in seeking information about the operations of South West 24, made serious allegations concerning a suicidal man. If the Hon Member doesn't know, she should know, that suicide or suicidal tendencies is not an opportunity to score cheap political points. Unfortunately, in 2004/05 there were 250 suicides recorded by the Coroner in Western Australia. Suicides and suicide attempts is a serious community issue and not an opportunity for political sensationalism. Opportunism in this area of health should be condemned. In an attempt to get to the facts, regarding the allegation by the Hon Member, McKessons' Strategic Account Director, Bernadette Kenny records in a letter to the Director General of Health, "McKesson has attempted to fully investigate these allegations. These efforts were hampered by the member for parliament being unable to supply us with the name of the patient." This letter has been tabled in the Lower House [tabled paper 1500]. I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
If the Hon Member doesn't know, she should know, that suicide or suicidal tendencies is not an opportunity to score cheap political points. Unfortunately, in 2004/05 there were 250 suicides recorded by the Coroner in Western Australia. Suicides and suicide attempts is a serious community issue and not an opportunity for political sensationalism. Opportunism in this area of health should be condemned. In an attempt to get to the facts, regarding the allegation by the Hon Member, McKessons' Strategic Account Director, Bernadette Kenny records in a letter to the Director General of Health, "McKesson has attempted to fully investigate these allegations. These efforts were hampered by the member for parliament being unable to supply us with the name of the patient." This letter has been tabled in the Lower House [tabled paper 1500]. I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
Unfortunately, in 2004/05 there were 250 suicides recorded by the Coroner in Western Australia. Suicides and suicide attempts is a serious community issue and not an opportunity for political sensationalism. Opportunism in this area of health should be condemned. In an attempt to get to the facts, regarding the allegation by the Hon Member, McKessons' Strategic Account Director, Bernadette Kenny records in a letter to the Director General of Health, "McKesson has attempted to fully investigate these allegations. These efforts were hampered by the member for parliament being unable to supply us with the name of the patient." This letter has been tabled in the Lower House [tabled paper 1500]. I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
In an attempt to get to the facts, regarding the allegation by the Hon Member, McKessons' Strategic Account Director, Bernadette Kenny records in a letter to the Director General of Health, "McKesson has attempted to fully investigate these allegations. These efforts were hampered by the member for parliament being unable to supply us with the name of the patient." This letter has been tabled in the Lower House [tabled paper 1500]. I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
This letter has been tabled in the Lower House [tabled paper 1500]. I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
If the Hon Member doesn't know, she should know, that suicide or suicidal tendencies is not an opportunity to score cheap political points. Unfortunately, in 2004/05 there were 250 suicides recorded by the Coroner in Western Australia. Suicides and suicide attempts is a serious community issue and not an opportunity for political sensationalism. Opportunism in this area of health should be condemned. In an attempt to get to the facts, regarding the allegation by the Hon Member, McKessons' Strategic Account Director, Bernadette Kenny records in a letter to the Director General of Health, "McKesson has attempted to fully investigate these allegations. These efforts were hampered by the member for parliament being unable to supply us with the name of the patient." This letter has been tabled in the Lower House [tabled paper 1500]. I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
Unfortunately, in 2004/05 there were 250 suicides recorded by the Coroner in Western Australia. Suicides and suicide attempts is a serious community issue and not an opportunity for political sensationalism. Opportunism in this area of health should be condemned. In an attempt to get to the facts, regarding the allegation by the Hon Member, McKessons' Strategic Account Director, Bernadette Kenny records in a letter to the Director General of Health, "McKesson has attempted to fully investigate these allegations. These efforts were hampered by the member for parliament being unable to supply us with the name of the patient." This letter has been tabled in the Lower House [tabled paper 1500]. I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
In an attempt to get to the facts, regarding the allegation by the Hon Member, McKessons' Strategic Account Director, Bernadette Kenny records in a letter to the Director General of Health, "McKesson has attempted to fully investigate these allegations. These efforts were hampered by the member for parliament being unable to supply us with the name of the patient." This letter has been tabled in the Lower House [tabled paper 1500]. I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
This letter has been tabled in the Lower House [tabled paper 1500]. I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
I again call on the Member to provide the name of the patient, if indeed he or she exists, to the Minister or the Director General of Health so that the matter can be resolved. I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
I now turn to the remaining parts of the Member's question. The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
The South West 24 service is provided by McKesson Asia Pacific, who have extensive call centre service experience in mental health. The service is provided in Perth from 8am - 10pm daily and from Sydney outside of these hours. This is a contractual agreement with McKesson, as the number of calls received does not support the need for local staff overnight. The staff in both the Perth and Sydney call centres are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who follow the same established clinical pathways and protocols. 5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
5) South West 24 provides 24 hour 7 day a week access to the mental health service for all South West residents. South West 24 is staffed by trained senior mental health professionals who work to established clinical pathways and protocols. All clinical activity is reviewed and all complaints received are reviewed and answered and where necessary, improvements are made to the service. The South West 24 contract runs until October 2008. The service will be reviewed prior to renewal. 6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
6) Patients in the South West can access emergency care from district hospitals throughout the region. WA Country Health Service (WACHS) - South West (SW) is currently implementing a standard assessment, documentation and referral process for people presenting with psychosocial problems to hospitals or community health services. The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
The WACHS-SW is recruiting 3.2 FTE mental health triage/liaison nurses to provide support for Bunbury Hospital's Emergency Department. These staff will also be able to provide support and advice to district hospital staff when patients present with mental health related concerns. The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
The Acute Psychiatric Unit at Bunbury Hospital is being expanded from 15 to 33 beds. This development will enhance the capacity to rapidly transfer patients from district hospitals when required. Community residential accommodation is being developed in Busselton and Bunbury to assist in crisis prevention. The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
The WACHS-SW has appointed a Clinical Director (0.5 FTE) and will be appointing a Mental Health Regional Manager. 7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
7) South West 24 and Rural Link are provided by different organisations to designated areas of rural Western Australia. South West 24 provides more extensive mental health services than Rural Link. The two services are not formally linked but can exchange information when necessary.
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