“We welcome the Government’s focus and support strong collaboration and partnership between Federal, State and Territory Governments to ensure an integrated, working mental health system that truly meets the needs of patients and their families,” said Dr Judkins.
“We ask that strong measures, targets and goals are introduced so there is clear accountability across all states and territories for the whole-of-system solutions needed to address Australia’s mental health crisis.
“While the announcement is welcome, we remain concerned that as we await outcomes from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, and the Productivity Commission report into mental health, the system remains stretched.
“While investment is needed and welcome, the number of patients languishing in EDs is increasing. Emergency Departments (EDs) often act as the front door to the country’s health and mental health system, with many turning to EDs for the help they cannot find elsewhere in the community at the time of their crisis.
“Measures to improve mental health resourcing, capacity and integration across EDs, the community and inpatient facilities are needed to better serve those who present to the ED in mental health crisis.
“Sadly, the breakdown of Australia’s mental health system, with its lack of primary and community care, resulted in over 275,000 mental health presentations to Australia’s EDs between 2016 and 2017.
“That’s more than a quarter of a million people seeking help from an ED for their mental health, despite the reality that EDs are often not the best environment for people experiencing mental health distress.
“ACEM data also shows that mental health presentations to EDs make up a disproportionate amount of those facing excessively long waits.
“Whole-of-system solutions and investment must focus on the integration of primary and community based mental health care and acute services. It is important that initiatives invest in system integration and function, rather than more narrowly focused programs. We call on the Federal Minister to endorse a no-tolerance policy for ED waits that exceed 24 hours, with mandatory reporting to the hospital executive and State/Territory Health Ministers of waits exceeding 12 and 24 hours, respectively.
Just as important is a focus on providing access to inpatient care, including appropriate care and support for children.
“This year, ACEM issued a Consensus Statement on Mental Health in the Emergency Department with four key recommendations for Federal and State Governments, which we encourage the Federal Minister to endorse.”
As the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, ACEM has held recent forums in both countries aimed at finding solutions and addressing the crises.
“We also welcome acknowledgment of the problem and a significant $1.9 billion investment from the New Zealand Government as part of its ‘wellbeing budget,” said Dr Judkins.
“ACEM is committed to working with all parties in both countries to ensure the urgent issues are addressed.”
