The Territory Labor Government is investing $50 million to build and expand existing infrastructure for mental health in the Territory.
The funding includes a wide range of services, including a new 18 bed inpatient unit and Stabilisation and Referral Area in the Top End.
An additional investment of $9.3 million will also see the establishment of universal aftercare services, meaning all Territorians who are discharged from hospital following a severe mental health episode will receive follow up care.
Today, the Territory Government also announced the appointment of a Chief Psychiatrist of the Northern Territory who will:
Put the needs of people at the centre of the system of careEnsure high standards of contemporary clinical care and treatment for people with mental illnessProvide clinical and professional leadership in mental health quality and safety Ensure lived experience views are incorporated in service planning, and quality safety enhancements for our new investments in mental health infrastructureDevelop a NT mental health workforce strategy and engage across government with suicide prevention initiatives.
Dr David Mitchell has qualifications in general practice, adult psychiatry and medical administration. His most recent role was a consultant psychiatrist at NT Health for the Top End region.
Collaboration plays a key role as we curb suicide rates in the Northern Territory. The Head to Health facility, commissioned by Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) and run by Neami National in partnership with Larrakia Nation, opened in January this year and has already provided care for more than 700 clients – meaning Territorians can receive access to services quicker.
Head to Health provides an after-hours place for people to come if they are in distress, and means that they don’t have to wait in the emergency department.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
“Territorians deserve access to the best possible mental health services.
“The mental health needs in the Territory are incredibly complex and vastly different to those in other jurisdictions – and we have continued to work in partnership with the Commonwealth to ensure these needs are supported.
“We have invested significantly in mental health support across the Territory, and with the appointment of the Territory’s new Chief Psychiatrist we will continue to do so to improve services for Territorians.”
Quotes attributed to Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Lauren Moss:
“The Territory Labor Government is determined to reduce suicide rates in the Territory and involving people with lived experience is an important component of planning and implementation.
“The Territory’s population is over-represented in suicide statistics, more so our Aboriginal population. We need to ensure Territorians have access to appropriate mental health and suicide prevention services across the Territory.
“We will be refreshing our strategic implementation plan in the next 12 months, the Chief Psychiatrist will play a significant engagement role for this process.”
Quotes attributed to Chief Psychiatrist Dr David Mitchell:
“In stepping into the role of the Chief Psychiatrist for the Territory, I’m looking forward to advocating for all Territorians who require access to mental health services.
“Ensuring clients’ needs are at the centre of their care is at the heart of what we do as mental health care providers. I We’re continuing to see the integration of service delivery between clinical and non-clinical support to better meet the needs of the local community.
“There are many pathways and options to access the right mental health care – whether that be in an acute setting or by engaging with community support services and programs.”
Northern Territory Government
