❓ A parliamentary question addresses the Minister for Mental Health regarding funding, wait times, triage processes, and assessment of children and adolescents accessing the South West Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). The Minister provides assurances and clarifies procedures.
AnsweredQoN 810Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
SOUTH WEST CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
I refer to the South West Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. (1) Does the minister have ministerial responsibility for South West CAMHS; and, if yes, why has the minister not made a decision on growth funding for South West CAMHS? (2) What is the current wait time for assessment by South West CAMHS? (3) How many children and adolescents are on the waitlist for assessment by South West CAMHS? (4) I refer to the minister’s answer to question without notice 714, in which she stated that all referrals to South West CAMHS are triaged. Does South West CAMHS hold a triage consultation with all children referred or is the triage undertaken based on the referral letter or telephone referral only, patient sight unseen? (5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON
I refer to the South West Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. (1) Does the minister have ministerial responsibility for South West CAMHS; and, if yes, why has the minister not made a decision on growth funding for South West CAMHS? (2) What is the current wait time for assessment by South West CAMHS? (3) How many children and adolescents are on the waitlist for assessment by South West CAMHS? (4) I refer to the minister’s answer to question without notice 714, in which she stated that all referrals to South West CAMHS are triaged. Does South West CAMHS hold a triage consultation with all children referred or is the triage undertaken based on the referral letter or telephone referral only, patient sight unseen? (5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(1) Does the minister have ministerial responsibility for South West CAMHS; and, if yes, why has the minister not made a decision on growth funding for South West CAMHS? (2) What is the current wait time for assessment by South West CAMHS? (3) How many children and adolescents are on the waitlist for assessment by South West CAMHS? (4) I refer to the minister’s answer to question without notice 714, in which she stated that all referrals to South West CAMHS are triaged. Does South West CAMHS hold a triage consultation with all children referred or is the triage undertaken based on the referral letter or telephone referral only, patient sight unseen? (5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(2) What is the current wait time for assessment by South West CAMHS? (3) How many children and adolescents are on the waitlist for assessment by South West CAMHS? (4) I refer to the minister’s answer to question without notice 714, in which she stated that all referrals to South West CAMHS are triaged. Does South West CAMHS hold a triage consultation with all children referred or is the triage undertaken based on the referral letter or telephone referral only, patient sight unseen? (5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(3) How many children and adolescents are on the waitlist for assessment by South West CAMHS? (4) I refer to the minister’s answer to question without notice 714, in which she stated that all referrals to South West CAMHS are triaged. Does South West CAMHS hold a triage consultation with all children referred or is the triage undertaken based on the referral letter or telephone referral only, patient sight unseen? (5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(4) I refer to the minister’s answer to question without notice 714, in which she stated that all referrals to South West CAMHS are triaged. Does South West CAMHS hold a triage consultation with all children referred or is the triage undertaken based on the referral letter or telephone referral only, patient sight unseen? (5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(1) Does the minister have ministerial responsibility for South West CAMHS; and, if yes, why has the minister not made a decision on growth funding for South West CAMHS? (2) What is the current wait time for assessment by South West CAMHS? (3) How many children and adolescents are on the waitlist for assessment by South West CAMHS? (4) I refer to the minister’s answer to question without notice 714, in which she stated that all referrals to South West CAMHS are triaged. Does South West CAMHS hold a triage consultation with all children referred or is the triage undertaken based on the referral letter or telephone referral only, patient sight unseen? (5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(2) What is the current wait time for assessment by South West CAMHS? (3) How many children and adolescents are on the waitlist for assessment by South West CAMHS? (4) I refer to the minister’s answer to question without notice 714, in which she stated that all referrals to South West CAMHS are triaged. Does South West CAMHS hold a triage consultation with all children referred or is the triage undertaken based on the referral letter or telephone referral only, patient sight unseen? (5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(3) How many children and adolescents are on the waitlist for assessment by South West CAMHS? (4) I refer to the minister’s answer to question without notice 714, in which she stated that all referrals to South West CAMHS are triaged. Does South West CAMHS hold a triage consultation with all children referred or is the triage undertaken based on the referral letter or telephone referral only, patient sight unseen? (5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(4) I refer to the minister’s answer to question without notice 714, in which she stated that all referrals to South West CAMHS are triaged. Does South West CAMHS hold a triage consultation with all children referred or is the triage undertaken based on the referral letter or telephone referral only, patient sight unseen? (5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(5) Who is assessing the children and the treatment of the children unable to be assessed by South West CAMHS to ensure they are receiving appropriate and timely treatment? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
I thank the honourable member for giving me notice around the question. (1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(1) Yes. The Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health are very close to finalising the specific details of growth funding for 2011–12. I anticipate making an announcement on South West CAMHS shortly. (2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(2)–(3) I am advised that there is no waitlist, and that CAMHS assessments are completed within two weeks of referral. However, all assessments are based on the completion, which determines the risk ratings and priority for the assessment and ongoing action where and when required. (4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(4) Triage occurs at a variety of different levels. It is undertaken initially on the first contact, which may be by telephone, letter or presentation. Therefore triage determines the clinical need as to whether the client referred is seen. (5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
(5) South West CAMHS is not aware of any children who are unable to be assessed. All presentations and all referrals are triaged and clinically assessed to determine ongoing needs. However, as I have mentioned to the member before, I would encourage members who are aware of any urgent cases where patients are unable to access the services they require to contact me directly.
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