Pharmacy Daily | Major mental health push

THE Council of Australian Governments has announced a new National Partnership Agreement on Mental Health, with the aim of addressing “major gaps” in the treatment of mental illness in Australia. Plans include a 10-year roadmap for mental health reform, setting out the “priorities and sequencing of reforms across a range of government services”. The National Partnership Agreement will focus on stable accommodation and support; the presentation, admission and discharge planning in major hospitals and emergency departments; and related support services for sufferers. “By addressing priority service gaps in Australia’s mental health system the National Partnership will help move Australia’s mental health system away from crisisdriven activity towards prevention, early intervention and care in the community,” COAG said. The increasing priority of mental health is also reflected in a budget allocation of $2.2 billion over five years (PD 10 May) for mental health. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has suggested the creation of a “liaison pharmacist” role to assist patients with mental illness transferring between healthcare settings and providers. The PSA is also set to undertake a major review of the Statement of Mental Health Care Capabilities for Pharmacists (PD 15 Aug). COAG said it would further address the National Partnership Agreement before the end of 2011.

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