PEOPLE experiencing a mental health emergency will soon have access to a more targeted, health-led response, with new specialist teams set to provide support and connect them with the right care in their local communities.
The NSW Government has announced a new model of care backed by more than $270 million over 10 years, designed to ensure people in crisis are supported by mental health professionals who can assess their needs and provide appropriate help.
Under the new system, people who call Triple Zero (000) during a mental health crisis may be connected with dedicated mental health experts who can provide immediate support, arrange follow-up care and link them with services best suited to their situation.
This could include counselling, local mental health services or assistance from a new specialist Mental Health Acute Assessment Team within NSW Ambulance.
The teams will include a paramedic and specialist mental health nurse who will provide face-to-face support for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
They will assess each person’s needs, help connect them with ongoing care and arrange transport to a NSW Health facility if required.
A new statewide Virtual Mental Health Hub will also provide clinical advice to frontline responders, helping ensure decisions are made with specialist mental health input.
More than 100 new full-time roles will be created as the model is introduced across NSW.
The NSW Government said the changes were developed following consultation with mental health consumers, families, carers, clinicians, advocacy groups, unions, NSW Health and NSW Police.
The reform follows recommendations from the Bondi Junction Coronial Inquest, the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into community mental health care and a NSW Police review into responses to mental health incidents.
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said people experiencing a mental health crisis deserved access to the right support at the right time.
“When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, they need the right care from the right people and that’s exactly what this new health-led responder approach will do,” Ms Jackson said.
“We have worked carefully with consumers, carers, clinicians, industrial bodies and partner agencies to design a model that is safe, effective and equitable to ensure it meets the community’s needs.”
Ms Jackson said people should continue to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
“The difference is that now when people call Triple Zero (000) during a mental health crisis, they can be connected with clinical support earlier and cared for in the least restrictive way possible,” she said.
“Our goal is simple; increase access to mental health care, improve outcomes for affected individuals, reduce pressure on our hospital emergency departments and reduce stigma when it comes to asking for help across the community.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police would continue to attend situations where a police response was required.
“Police have worked cooperatively with NSW Health to develop this model of care,” Ms Catley said.
“It is critical that people experiencing mental health emergencies get the care they need.
“Police will always respond when a police response is required to ensure public safety and the safety of those responding. That does not change.”
The new health-led response model will complement existing services, including the Police Ambulance and Clinical Early Response (PACER) program, which supports police and paramedics responding to mental health incidents.
The Government said community safety would remain a priority during all emergency situations.
People experiencing a medical emergency should continue to call Triple Zero (000).
For specialist mental health support, the Mental Health Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 011 511. The free service is staffed by trained mental health professionals who can provide advice and referrals to local services.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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