This question on notice seeks data regarding the number of psychiatrists able to order involuntary detentions, wait times to see a psychiatrist, and wait times for Mental Health Review Board hearings in WA.

AnsweredQoN 2005Legislative Council
Asked
22 October 2014
Portfolio
Mental Health

QuestionView source ↗

(1) How many psychiatrists in Western Australia, as defined by the Act, can order that a person be detained involuntarily or put on a community treatment order? (2) What was the average waiting time for a patient to see a psychiatrist, as defined by the Act, in the public health system for the following periods: (a) 2013-2014; (b) 2012-2013; and (c) 2011-2012? (3) What was the longest time a person was detained while waiting on a mandatory Mental Health Review Board hearing for the following periods: (a) 2013-2014; (b) 2012-2013; and (c) 2011-2012? (4) What is the average time a person was detained while waiting on a mandatory Mental Health Review Board hearing for the following periods: (a) 2013-2014; (b) 2012-2013; and (c) 2011-2012?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
24 February 2015
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health
Response time
125 days
(1) 196.
(2) Data on average wait times for every psychiatrist (public and private) is not collected. Patients requiring review by a psychiatrist as defined by the Mental Health Act are prioritised and seen as soon as practically possible. As defined by the Mental Health Act (1996), once a patient has been received (arrived) in an authorised mental health unit, the patient must be examined by a Psychiatrist within 24 hours.
(3-4) This data cannot be accurately extracted from the Mental Health Review Board (MHRB) database system. The MHRB database is being updated.

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