The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist has announced a series of online forums supporting best practice and problem-solving for mental health services in a continuing COVID-19 environment.
In a statement, the Office said the forums were open to all staff from clinical mental health services.
“They will provide an opportunity to collaborate, learn and support each other through challenges working in COVID-19 community transmission,” it said.
“A similar model has been successful in NSW.
“The purpose of the sessions is to share learning, ideas and practice-based evidence in adapting to changing demands in a rising COVID-19 environment.”
The Office said responding through collaboration and sharing up-to-date State, national and local guidelines and strategies would support sustaining high-quality mental health care throughout the community transmission of COVID-19.
“The forums’ format will consist of an informal 30-minute online sharing and discussion session,” it said.
“Discussion topics will be decided by participants as the sessions progress, depending on the emerging needs and questions.”
The Office said problem-solving with other services was encouraged “and if your service would like to contribute, do get in touch”.
“A summary will be made available on the Chief Psychiatrist’s website,” it said.
The forums are to be held on MS Teams and people interested in attending future forums should email [email protected] to obtain a link.
