Bligh Government joins forces with UQ to deliver better mental health services for Queenslanders

The Bligh Government has joined forces with the University of Queensland (UQ) in a partnership to improve mental health services throughout the State.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today announced the appointment of Professor Robert Bland as inaugural Chair of Mental Health at the university’s School of Social Work and Human Services.

“Professor Bland will play an vital role in delivering the improved mental health services we’ve promised Queenslanders,” he said.

“He brings a wealth of experience to this new role and is recognised throughout Australia as a pioneer in mental health.

“We are delighted that he has accepted the position, in which he will oversee the design, development and delivery of improved training and education to social workers.

“Social workers are core members of the clinical teams delivering Queensland Health’s mental health services.”

Mr Robertson said Professor Bland’s appointment was a key element of a new partnership formalised in July between Queensland Health and UQ.

“This new partnership, worth more than $1 million over five years, is about ensuring Queensland has a sustainable mental health workforce,” Mr Robertson said.

“Like other health services, mental health services continue to experience significant challenges recruiting and retaining appropriately skilled and qualified staff.

“The establishment of this new Chair of Mental Health is part of an on ongoing partnership aimed at delivering Queenslanders expanded and improved mental health services.”

Mr Robertson said Queensland Health’s new partnership with UQ was an example of the Bligh Government’s ambitious mental health reform agenda.

“In the last two State Budgets, the Bligh Government has earmarked more than $600 million in extra funding for mental health services over the next five years,” he said.

“This is part of a comprehensive blueprint, the Queensland Plan for Mental Health 2007-2017, we’ve developed to deliver better outcomes for patients and their families.”

Mr Robertson today also announced UQ’s new Master of Social Work Studies program during his visit to the university’s St Lucia Campus in Brisbane.

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680 or 0407 675 008