Mental health and addictions review released, next steps underway
Increasing investment in Hauora Māori, fixing gaps in the continuum of care and improving physical environments are among the immediate priorities identified in Time for Change – Te Hurihanga, the result of the mental health and addictions system review for the Southern health system, released today.
The comprehensive review followed the government’s mental health and addictions inquiry, and Southern Health’s Raise Hope strategy, aiming to create a concrete roadmap for the reform of mental health services in the district.
Time for Change – Te Hurihanga’s recommendations also include reconfiguring supporting functions and structures, supporting and developing the workforce, addressing organisational development and culture, and investing in change.
The review was overseen by a steering committee chaired by Counties Manukau mental health integrated care clinical lead, Dr Clive Bensemann, who also holds the role of national mental health and addictions clinical lead for the Health Safety and Quality Commission. Consultation for the review garnered over 1300 items of feedback through hui, surveys and submissions, from those who work in or have lived experience with the mental health system.
Their feedback signals a strong appetite for change, says Southern DHB Acting Executive Lead Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disability, Gilbert Taurua.
“We have an outstanding and dedicated workforce, and we heard again and again that when you get into the system, the care people receive is often excellent and life-changing. But accessing this care is just too hard, and we need to fundamentally reconfigure our services so that they are truly centred on what individuals need, not how the system is set up,” Taurua says.
This means orienting care to be delivered in the community, with the support of whānau. Central to this is increasing the range of ‘step-up/step-down’ services, creating a more effective tier of support for moderate mental health conditions.
“GPs, for example, need more options for where to escalate to, and acute services need more options for where to discharge to.”
Southern DHB Chief Executive Chris Fleming praised the review, describing it as “pragmatic and future-focused.”
“We express our sincere thanks to everyone who has participated in the review from across the district, especially those who shared their lived experiences as clients, whānau and loved ones of those utilising mental health services.”
“The conversations it generated have given us real momentum to build on, and get things done, and the Board and I are committed to ensure that steps are taken immediately towards implementing these recommendations.”
A new executive role is being created with responsibility for Mental Health, Older Persons Health and Community Services, and a Change Manager role is being established to ensure there is absolute focus on progressing the recommendations. A change committee, chaired by Bensemann, will lead oversight of delivering these priorities. Further hui with staff and stakeholder groups, to discuss the recommendations and next steps, are being scheduled.
“There will be significant change to Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disability services over the coming years. There is a good platform to build from but we can and we must do better to meet the needs of our community with contemporary models of care provided in contemporary settings and modern facilities,” Fleming says.