The Sustainable Health Review - a Better Balance for Mental Health?

The Minister for Health and Mental Health Hon Roger Cook MLA has released the interim report of the Sustainable Health Review. 

Not just another review, the government is adamant its recommendations will inform health and mental health reform so it’s essential that mental health consumers, families and providers have their say.

WAAMH has reviewed the report and has compiled an analysis of how it delivers in relation to WAAMH’s recommendations in its submission to the Sustainable Health Review.

Read WAAMH's analysis HERE.

Of key interest to community mental health is ‘Preliminary Direction 4’ which states – “Facilitate effective interaction between acute and community-based mental health services to deliver mental health reforms across the WA health system”

A phrase repeated through the interim report is “Health care does not equal hospital beds”.  Challenges in the design and delivery of services are outlined and include the lack of consumer involvement in the design and delivery, the financial reward for volume (in hospitals) over effect, and the inertia against change and innovation.

Points of particular note include:

  • Views on the placement of the Mental Health Commission (and its functions)
  • Urgent need for review of licensing and regulation of accommodation services to allow for contemporary service development
  • The role for a ‘recovery college’ model in the mix of services and supports
  • The acknowledgement that ‘health’ is perceived as being too big to partner with.

Make Mental Health Count

WAAMH urges members to review the Interim Report (for which an Executive Summary is available) and provide feedback to WAAMH or via the survey or public Q&A sessions. More information about getting involved can be found here

Q&A Sessions

  • Wednesday 14 March 2018 (Cockburn) – 7.30am to 8.45am
  • Thursday 15 March 2018 Webinar – 10.00am to 11.15am
  • Thursday 15 March 2018 (Floreat) – 3.45pm to 5.00pm
  • Friday 16 March 2018 (Bayswater) – 7.45am to 9.00am

WAAMH will be engaging with the public consultation and will continue to advocate for system improvements in mental health that will deliver better outcomes for consumers and families.

To provide feedback via WAAMH, contact:

Chelsea McKinney 6246 3003 or Elizabeth Connor 6246 3034 

Background

The Review was announced by the State Government in June 2017 to develop a more sustainable health system for Western Australia. Chaired by Robyn Kruk AM the Panel held 19 forums and received over 300 public submissions.  The final report is due in November 2018.