| The aim of this program is to assist General Practice in the identification, management and expediate delivery of private Mental Health Services for the Bankstown Community.
Mental illness can impact on a person’s development, education and career and reduce their quality of life. Approximately one in five or more than three million Australians are affected by a mental illness in any single year.
The annual cost of mental illness in Australia is estimated at approximately $20 billion. (Source: COAG National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011)
Mental health has been identified as a priority area; as a result The Commonwealth Government has significantly expanded its funding, the Division plays a key role in the delivery of the following initiatives:
- Better Outcomes in Mental Health Intiative (BOiMHI)
- Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medical Benefits schedule (Better Access)
- Mental Health Nurses
The Better Outcomes in Mental Health Intiative (BOiMHI) was introduced in 2001 by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing to increase community access to expediate mental health services by providing better education and training for general practitioners. Further funding of $142.7 million over four years has expanded the program to 2008-09
Bankstown GP Division has secured funding for the financial year 2007 – 2008. This program is an additional referral pathways for mental health services, and is available to all GPs. Benefits of this program include patients not requiring to pay a co payment.
Better Access commenced in November 2006 with the addition of item numbers 2710 (Care Plan), 2712 (review), 2713 (ongoing management of a mental health patient) to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). These item numbers increase access, and improve teamwork between GPs, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other allied health professionals. Further benefits include the encouragement of early identification, assessment and management of people with a mental illness by GPs, allowing GPs to refer patients to psychologists and allied health professionals.
The mental health nurses initiative began July 2007. General Practice, Private Psychiatry Practice, and other appropriate organisations will assist people with serious mental illness to receive better coordinated treatment and care through the employment of a Mental Health Nurse. The Mental Health Nurse will work closely with the patient’s GP or psychiatrist and provide services such as home visiting, and medication management.
(Source: COAG National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011)
This program will continue to focus on improved mental health outcomes for Bankstown residents, through the provision of support, education, and resources to General Practitioners and interaction and engagement with Mental Health organisations in the area.
For more information contact Shirin Steev at Bankstown GP Division on (02) 9793 8711 |
