TOOWOOMBA MENTAL HEALTH REFORMS UNDERWAY

A high level group consisting of several expert clinicians has been established to drive reforms to Toowoomba’s mental health service, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson, visiting the Toowoomba Hospital, said he attended the Reform Advisory Group’s first meeting in Brisbane yesterday.

“We are not waiting to receive the Toowoomba District Mental Health Service Review’s report at the end of April,” Mr Robertson said.

“While it is important that we give the review panel enough time to make sensible and necessary recommendations, we can start work now.

“I have ordered that immediate action be taken to improve local mental health services and gear the district up for major reforms expected to arise out of the review.

“This highly dedicated group of mental health clinicians and experts is the first step towards a better mental health service for the Toowoomba and Darling Downs population.”

Mr Robertson said the group of 12 would guide a smaller reform team based in Toowoomba to address issues already identified which require immediate action.

“The reform team will first initiate a process of clinical assessment of the needs of each individual currently receiving acute and community mental health treatment in the district.

“It will also develop and implement strategies to improve the workplace culture in the mental health unit including appropriate communication processes and human resource practices.

“Importantly, the team will work closely with Toowoomba mental health staff on the ground to develop and implement all reforms.”

Mr Robertson said Bayside mental health service manager Shirley Wigan would lead the team with assistance from Queensland Health human resource manager Alan Millward.

“Ms Wigan has extensive experience in acute and community mental health services and is internationally recognised as a leader in innovative ways to deliver health care,” he said.

“She will work closely with mental health staff to drive the reforms needed for improved services in Toowoomba.

“The current director of mental health services in the district will report directly to Ms Wigan.

“Ms Wigan will also chair the larger Reform Advisory Group which will consist of six staff members of the Toowoomba mental health service, a Southern Area Health Service representative, a consumer representative and two Queensland Health mental health branch representatives.”

Mr Robertson said key objectives of the group are to:

·Provide advice to the reform team on the immediate assessment service clinical priorities;

·Provide advice to the reform team on strategies to improve workplace culture;

·Provide a forum to identify and resolve issues regarding the implementation of endorsed recommendations arising out of the review of the Toowoomba District Mental Health Service;

·Identify and resolve emerging issues resulting from the reform process;

·Provide advice and oversight to the reform team on strategies to implement the reform agenda; and

·Ensure appropriate consultation and communication processes are followed with all stakeholders.

“The Reform Advisory Group will meet again with the Director-General within a month to report back on action already taken,” he said.

“It will be reviewed at three monthly intervals based on progress achieved and the capacity of the service to manage ongoing reform requirements.

“I am confident the experts we have in place will take prompt and appropriate action to build a better and more patient-focused mental health service for the Toowoomba district.”

“I expect to see real progress on reforms and improvements later this year.”

MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185 or 0409 069 056