Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network
CEO Ken Murphy
November 27, 2015

The Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network announced plans today to reform the delivery of mental health services in the region.

The Primary Health Network (PHN), which covers the South Burnett, believes the reforms will lead to a more efficient, integrated and sustainable mental health system.

From 2016, Commonwealth mental health program funding will be transitioned to PHNs to form a newly-created mental health flexible funding pool.

DDWMPHN will be able to use this funding to commission regionally delivered primary mental health services suited to local needs.

“The ability to identity needs and gaps will allow Darling Downs West Moreton PHN to provide the best possible mental health care services,” CEO Ken Murphy said.

“We want people to get the right care at the right time, and moving away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach to a stepped model that will meet individual needs is a logical, commonsense initiative.”

As part of the reforms, a new digital mental health gateway will be created.

This will be the first point of service for people looking for information, advice or an online psychological service.

“For some people suffering from depression or anxiety, digital services can be as effective as face-to-face sessions,” Mr Murphy said.

“While still catering for those not tech-savvy, we will be encouraging consumers to use digital interventions where appropriate.”

GPs will also receive better support.

They will be able to assess and refer people to the best services, especially people with severe and complex mental illness.

The PHN’s health and education portfolios will also be joined to create an integrated, school-based mental health program to develop awareness of mental health issues, prevent problems and build resilience amongst school children.

The program will be promoted through the Safe Schools Hub.

DDWM PHN will introduce the reforms in partnership with Local Hospital Networks, non-government organisations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers, and drug and alcohol services.

DDWM PHN recently appointed 20 health and community professionals to two Clinical Councils representing the Darling Downs and Ipswich and Moreton regions.

Clinical Council members have been chosen to provide a geographic representation across the region and ensure local knowledge in meeting the reform program’s objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes.


 

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