Focus on local and flexible mental health services

The reform package announced on Thursday included increased digital delivery of services, a single phone line help service and a shift to integrated care.

The current ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach has been scrapped as people needing complex care services will be eligible to access a package of integrated health services provided through Primary Health Networks (PHNs).

While no more funding was announced, $350 million will be redirected to PHNs, a move supported by the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA).

RDAA president Ewen McPhee said the change recognised the role played by GPs and remote nurse practitioners, who were often the first port of call for many people with mental health conditions.

“A large burden of chronic mental health is treated in general practice and primary health, so we need the funding to be available to people in the towns, rather than have large organisations operating outreach programs,” Dr McPhee said.

“Rural GPs need to be able to access more training in mental health and more support generally.”

The reforms include a focus on digital delivery of services which could improve access for people with mental health issues in the bush, but Dr McPhee said internet connectivity was still a huge issue.

“If we’re going to implement IT solutions, whether it’s telehealth or by video consultations, we really need access to reliable broadband.”

Phone, email and Skype make up about half of the mental health consults delivered by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 

Broken Hill-based mental health team leader Stephanie Cooper said there were 633 face-to-face appointments and 553 phone appointments in the 2014-15 financial year.

“We try to Skype and email as well but some clients don’t always have internet connection,” Ms Cooper said.

“It means if they can’t get to a clinic they’re not missing out on an appointment.

“It’s so crucial for our clients who live hundreds of kilometres from town.”