ACEM President Dr Simon Judkins has welcomed moves by governments across Australia to improve mental health care, following the College’s successful summit on the issue.
ACEM’s Mental Health in the Emergency Department Summit, held on Tuesday, October 16, saw more than 170 emergency doctors, psychiatrists, consumers, clinicians and key decision makers discuss and agree on seven key principles to tackle Australia’s mental health crisis.
ACEM issued a communiqué after the summit, vowing to set the agenda for policy reform and declaring that “no one should stay longer than 24 hours in an emergency department”, particularly those experiencing mental health crisis.
Dr Judkins said: "I am incredibly encouraged to hear that the NT Government has taken the lead on this issue and is reporting on a 12-hour timeline. Other states really should follow this example of leadership."
The NSW Government also announced this week that people who have been admitted to hospital following an attempted suicide will, from next year, have access to aftercare services, emergency department alternatives and increased capacity to mental health programs — particularly in rural areas, where the rate of suicides is higher.
And the Tasmanian Government has announced an accelerated mental health beds commitment.
"There is momentum for change,” Dr Judkins said. “What we require from governments for this to continue is resources, collaboration and leadership."
Last week, ACEM released a report which found that with more than 250,000 Australians presenting to emergency departments with a mental health crisis, patients are facing extreme wait times to be assessed, enduring longer periods of treatment and, as a result, leaving the emergency department prior to their treatment being completed.
Dr Judkins said: “Mental illness is a major health and social policy issue, and so when this issue manifests in the emergency department, we all realise something needs to be done.
“Our summit and communique is that starting point.
"ACEM will continue to release data on this issue, and this will be supported with meetings with Health Ministers and CEOs of health departments, and advocacy groups.
"ACEM will also continue to work with colleagues within the health system to develop a Consensus Statement that captures commitments and provides the mandate for systemic actions by governments, services and health professionals across Australia.
"We need a national multidisciplinary approach, backed by data, evidence and a common vision.”
Visit the Mental Health in the Emergency Department Summit website for more information and videos played at the summit.