Page 531 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 14 March 2007
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Mental Health ACT achieved a moderate achievement rating for all mandatory criteria, with one criterion being awarded an extensive achievement, which again was an outstanding result. In order to achieve accreditation, Mental Health ACT had to achieve a moderate achievement rating against all of the mandatory criteria, and we were successful in doing so.
For one criterion, relating to consumer/patient health records, Mental Health ACT was awarded an extensive achievement rating. That was awarded for the use of the electronic client record system. Mental Health ACT was seen as a leader in the development and use of an electronic record system for mental health services and possibly a leader in any electronic system nationally, resulting in the extensive achievement rating.
The surveyors provided significant additional positive comments on several other criteria. In relation to criterion 1.3.2, concerning the evaluation of care by consumers and carers, the surveyors commented that there had been a concerted effort to involve consumers and carers in the service and that the consumers and carers do have a voice. For criterion 2.3.1, concerning the development of a continuous improvement system, the surveyors noted that Mental Health ACT has an evolving continuous quality improvement structure, with relevant and appropriate committees. That includes clinical documentation audits, an incident monitoring and review system, satisfaction surveys, and benchmarking via the national health round table.
The surveyors made 12 recommendations in the survey report, and it is important to note that there were no high-priority recommendations. Mental Health ACT has been awarded a two-year accreditation with ACHS, valid until 12 December 2008. That is the maximum time available under this alignment survey and provides for full accreditation of the service until Mental Health ACT participates in the ACT Health portfolio-wide survey in 2008.
MS PORTER: Minister, how has that fantastic result on accreditation been supported by this government’s investment in mental health services?
MS GALLAGHER: The Stanhope government has a very strong record in mental health services and investment in mental health. In fact, in 2001 the mental health budget was around $27 million. For this budget year the spending on mental health will be $52.6 million, representing a 92 per cent increase since we came to government. This an area that we have prioritised. It is an area which needed immense reform, and that reform work has started and is continuing. A number of pieces of work are under way.
Last year, we launched the ACT action plan for mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention. We are currently putting together, in consultation with the community, a mental health services plan which is looking at service provision, current gaps, if there are any, and recent developments in support and services for people with a mental illness. It will look at projections on demand, particularly for inpatient facilities, and look at national strategic directions. We have a number of initiatives in this year’s budget targeting those areas of national strategic priority,
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