The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has welcomed the state government’s investment in health-led mental health responses, following the announcement of a new model of care.
Eight Mental Health Acute Assessment Teams, comprised of highly skilled mental health nurses and paramedics in dedicated vehicles, will be deployed across areas of high need in NSW to respond to mental health crises seven days a week.
A Virtual Mental Health Hub is also set to be established and will be staffed by specialist mental health clinicians to answer emergency calls and provide immediate support to frontline responders attending incidents.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Michael Whaites, said he was pleased to see the Minns government investing significant funding into this health-led model which would provide timely and appropriate care to members of the community.
“We welcome the government’s $270 million over 10 years funding for this co-responder model which will see our specialised mental health nurses respond to mental health emergencies across NSW,” said Mr Whaites.
“A mental health crisis occurs in complex and evolving situations, and it requires a health response whenever and wherever it is safe to do so.
“Mental health nurses are highly trained and highly skilled in providing mental health care. Models that provide urgent access to care are shown to be effective at avoiding hospital admission and reducing trauma for people experiencing mental illness.
“We know our emergency departments are dealing with increasing patient demand and more complex presentations, so any initiative that reduces presentations to hospitals is a step in the right direction for patients, so they can get the care they need in a timely manner.
“We must ensure however, that specialised mental health nurses, who are trained in de-escalation and assessment pathways for vulnerable patients, are not being placed in situations that are unsafe.
“It’s imperative that this service is safe for our members, patients and the wider community, and always has police assistance when needed.
“We’ll be holding the government to their commitment to conclude consultation, ensuring the model protects and supports our members to provide the complex care that is required, and that the introduction of virtual care models enhance, and not replace, in-person models of care.
“We look forward to ongoing consultation with the government on this model over the coming months to ensure its rollout is carefully planned, appropriately resourced and implemented safely.”
