Review identifies improvements in mental health processes

The Queensland Government will increase training for frontline professionals in recognising mental health issues as part of its response to a major report into serious events involving people with a mental illness.

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Cameron Dick announced the findings of When mental health care meets risk: A Queensland sentinel events review into homicide and public sector mental health services in Parliament today.

The review focused on homicides or attempted homicides involving people with a mental illness (either as the victim or perpetrator), as well as fatalities that resulted from police use of force where the person may have had a mental illness.

Mr Dick said the aim of the review, which examined incidents from January 2013 to April 2015, was to identify how the government’s systems and practices could be improved with respect to preventing homicides and fatalities.

“Whilst it is not always possible to predict such tragedies, examining these events can inform system improvements which will ensure our services are operating as best they can,” Mr Dick said.

“It is also important to remember that while these cases are the worst possible outcome of mental illness, the majority of people with a mental illness are not violent.”

Mr Dick said the review committee made 11 key findings and 63 recommendations regarding improvements in strategic policy and clinical practice.

“I am pleased to announce that, in principle, all 63 recommendations of the report have been accepted,” he said.

Mr Dick said the recommendations related to:

• Stronger governance and integration of the state-wide forensic mental health service
• Increased collaboration and sharing of information with the families of the patient and between government agencies
• Skill development for clinicians through increased training and supervision in risk assessment, treatment planning and delivery of care
• Improving the community’s general knowledge of mental illness and where to access assistance for people in need.

ENDS

Media contact:             Andrew Fraser 0428 690 679

Media professionals are reminded about the Mindframe National Media Initiative which provides access to up-to-date, evidence-based information to support the responsible reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide and mental illness.

http://www.mindframe-media.info/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/9983/140519_MindFrame-for-Media_PDF.pdf