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Geelong Mental Health Support Trial Extended

02 October 2019

A Victorian-first program helping Geelong patients get the best mental health care will now be extended, thanks to an innovative partnership between Barwon Health and Ambulance Victoria

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley this week announced the extension of the Prehospital Response of Mental Health and Paramedic Team (PROMPT) trial following a successful first few months.

The Victorian-first trial is a partnership between the Andrews Labor Government, Barwon Health and Ambulance Victoria that teams up specialist mental health staff with paramedics when they are called out to an incident where mental health may be an issue.

As a result patients in crisis are assessed and triaged sooner, and fewer need to be taken to busy emergency departments which can also exacerbate a patient’s symptoms.

In its first three months PROMPT diverted around 76 per cent of patients away from the local hospital to more appropriate mental health services in the community – freeing up a busy emergency department and providing better, more tailored care for patients.

Currently ambulances respond on average 15 times a day to calls involving mental health patients in the Barwon region.

While the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System continues its vital work, the Labor Government is driving new ways of improving mental health treatments and outcomes for patients.

Building on last year’s record mental health investment, the Labor Government has invested a further $173 million in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 to ensure Victorians are getting the help they need, now.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley

“This trial is giving people in Barwon the right care, faster and is reducing the likelihood of mental health presentations escalating unnecessarily or involving an emergency department.”

“While we hold the state’s first ever Royal Commission into Victoria Mental Health System we’re looking at initiative ways to better deliver quality mental health care to Victorians.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos

“This program has done exactly what we promised it would do - provided better mental health care for Barwon locals while reducing presentations to the local emergency department - and it’s fantastic to see it extended.”

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“I’m delighted to see Barwon Health and Ambulance Victoria have been able to extend this program which is helping the Geelong community get the mental health treatment and care they deserve.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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