The Chief Psychiatrist has reported on a formal review into the treatment and care of people with a serious, enduring mental illness and complex needs.
The review found that although WA had some of the components of a rehabilitation and recovery service system, there were some very significant gaps; services were fragmented and there was limited access to specialist rehabilitation treatment and care.
The Chief Psychiatrist, Nathan Gibson said consumers, carers and clinicians had complained that the mental health system was not working effectively.
“This review was initially known as the Challenging Behaviours Review. However, as it progressed, it became clear that those with challenging behaviour are a small subset of individuals within a much larger group of people with severe, enduring mental illness and complex needs who are not well served by the current system,” Dr Gibson said.
“We have, therefore, changed the focus of the review to reflect this.”
He said the review found “that if you have co-occurring substance use, or if you struggle to engage with services, or have a history of aggression, you may be seen as ‘too difficult’ or ‘not meeting the entry criteria’ for services.”
As a result these people were often rejected or “bounced around between Agencies”.
“We have received innumerable reports of individuals who have fallen through the cracks in the current mental health system and ended up in the justice system,” Dr Gibson said.
“What is required is an investment to build a coordinated network of mental health rehabilitation and recovery services — both clinical treatment and psychosocial support — that provide continuous treatment, care and support for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”
He said the review made 10 recommendations in support of the development of a comprehensive, integrated rehabilitation service system to effectively meet the needs of these individuals and their families.
The Chief Psychiatrist’s 76-page Review Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
