The peak body for emergency medicine in Australia today released a Communique following a successful Mental Health in the Emergency Department Summit.
The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine’s summit 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.
Download the communique.
ACEM President Dr Simon 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.
“Today’s 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.”
Background
Visit the Mental Health in the Emergency Department Summit website for more information, videos and resources.
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
Contact
Andre Khoury
ACEM Public Affairs Manager
03 8679 8813
0498 068 023
[email protected]