Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Tasmanian Mental Health Reform Program has recommenced work after staff were redeployed to clinical roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Reform Program commenced in August 2019, with the key task of implementing the recommendations from the Report of the Mental Health Integration Taskforce and Government Response.
While COVID-19 has impacted on the timeframes for the project, the overall aim of delivering an integrated mental health system will be achieved 1 July 2021.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mental Health Reform Program had already made significant progress across a number of projects to fundamentally change the way mental health services are delivered in Tasmania.
These projects include:
- New capital developments at the former Peacock Centre and a greenfield site at St Johns Park;
- The development of new service models that established acute care and continuing care streams, consistent with establishment models in other jurisdictions;
- An initial survey of stakeholders regarding the role of the Mental Health Helpline and related Crisis Assessment and Triage function; and
- Working with experts on reviews of both Child and Adolescent and Forensic Mental Health Services.
Work was able to continue during the height of COVID-19 on some aspects of the Reform Program, with development applications now before the Hobart City Council for both the Peacock Centre and St Johns Park facilities.
A survey of the role of the Mental Health Helpline and related Crisis Assessment and Triage function has also been completed with over 500 responses received, which will inform the Reform Program’s work going forward.
This important work builds on the Tasmanian Government’s investment of $104 million in mental health services since 2018 as part of a six year commitment towards improving outcomes for those living with mental illness and their loved ones.
