News

Health | November 20, 2018

Liberal Nationals to make sure Victorians can get the right help, at the right time

New Community Mental Health Hubs will be established across Victoria under a Liberal Nationals Government, improving access to mental health services and relieving pressure on emergency departments and hospitals.

The $24 million plan to trial three new Hubs is in response to demand for better access to early intervention and a need to reduce pressure on emergency services and hospitals.

An expert multi-disciplined team including GPs, psychiatrists, addiction specialists and allied health professionals will be based at each centre ensuring people get the right support, at the right time.

The Hubs will provide stepped care, so clients can visit one place for mental health support that can be ‘stepped up’ to more intensive support if needed.

The trial is also expected to achieve significant efficiencies through the co-location of services and provide a model for longer-term investment decisions.

Labor’s nearly 20 per cent cut to community mental health funding since 2014 means there’s a growing number of Victorians being denied access to vital mental health support.

Without adequate access to early intervention, people are presenting in-crisis at hospital emergency departments or at increased risk of getting caught up in the justice system.

The new Community Mental Health Hubs will be trialled at Primary Health Networks in Frankston, Albert Park and Regional Victoria.

Labor has decimated the Victorian community mental health system through its funding cuts.

Only a Liberal Nationals Government will have a plan to ensure Victorians seeking help on mental health are getting the right support, at the right time.

Comment attributable to Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy

Too many Victorians are finding it harder to access mental health support as the sector shrinks under Labor.

Better access to mental health services will empower Victorians to regain control of their lives, maintain friendships and stay connected to employment and their community.

The Liberal Nationals will improve access to professional support and co-locate services to make sure Victorians seeking help for mental health issues can get the right help, at the right time.