The AMHC will offer free, on-the-spot advice and support and, if needed, assessment and treatment for people with stress, anxiety and other mental health issues.
It is part of an Australian Government funded trial of eight centres in each state and territory in response to an identified need for support for people experiencing distress and whose condition may be too complex for many existing primary care services.
The Centre will operate with a drop in and referral model, offering a friendly, low-key environment for people who need support, helping reduce the stigma associated with mental health and alcohol and other drug issues.
SJGHC has been appointed to lead the co-design of the Centre due to our significant clinical experience in acute mental health services and established presence in the Midland area, including the mental health emergency and inpatient services provided by SJG Midland Public Hospital and community-based mental health services delivered by Social Outreach.
The service design will be finalised in consultation with mental health providers, clinicians, consumers, general practice, and other stakeholders to ensure it reflects local needs and delivers the best outcomes for the broader Midland community.
It is hoped the Centre will be ready to open its doors before the end of 2021.
St John of God Social Outreach CEO, Susan Cantwell said, “St John of God Health Care will be seeking to work in close collaboration with other service providers supporting the Midland community on the design of the adult mental health centre to ensure it meets the full spectrum of community need.
“By creating a single point of entry that connects people to the most appropriate support services without requiring a referral or appointment, this centre will remove some of the most significant barriers to accessing appropriate, quality mental health care.”
The lead role SJGHC is playing in the co-design of the AMHC supports our mental health strategy, which seeks to expand our services in response to community need and design services with a strong person-centred philosophy to provide a better experience for mental health consumers.
SJGHC to lead co-design of federally funded adult mental health centre pilot in Midland
St John of God Health Care (SJGHC) has been appointed by the WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) to lead the co-design of a new Adult Mental Health Centre (AMHC) in Midland as part of a federally funded national pilot program aimed at easing pressure on public hospital emergency departments.