At last we are seeing some policy and commitment on mental health.
In a time when everyone is talking more about red heads than what happens inside people’s heads, Tony Abbott has made an announcement of a coalition commitment of 1.5 billion dollars in mental health.
I guess it must be a lead up to an election.
This is refreshing. In amongst RSPT and Prime Ministerial executions we have an attempt to put health back into debate.
As far a mental health is concerned it had received a big virtual zero in the federal budget. Mental health needs to be an issue over which government and opposition have to compete.
“Game on” for mental health thanks, PM. This is an issue with such a need that it has to win and the first move is on the table.
We do not care who puts the money up, coalition or government. It has got to be real and show a directed funding to outcomes for those in need.
Instead of the proverbial lip service consultation, it seems that Abbott has been hearing and listening to genuine expertise.
This announcement targets in particular the needs in youth and early intervention. In psychosis early intervention makes a big difference to the individual and those close to them. It is crucial for good life long outcomes.
The funding for Early Psychosis Intervention Centres for 15 to 24 year olds with high risk and first episode psychosis aims for recovery and prevention of relapse. This gives us hope.
A definitive number of 800 more mental health beds and specified beds to support the early psychosis intervention is like a light finally illuminating the dark depths of despair for those who work in the area and those with families affect by mental significant illness.
Additional funding for headspace services and “sufficient funding for new and existing sites to do their job properly,” further supports the reflection that someone who knew what they were talking about advised the Coalition.
This mental health policy is a meaningful use of funds rather than channelling it into the government marginal electorate super clinics. Super clinic money has not been allocated on patient needs and but a political promise, and is part of underpinning implementation of the UK NHS health system.
Money taken from new bureaucracy’s in the mess of the Government health reforms and translated to patient care is also a winner.
I applaud the redirection of these moneys into mental health. These services and beds will make a difference: a real difference to those that suffer the difficult realities of mental illness.
This announcement is a good news story that needs to be matched or trumped by the Government as an election commitment.
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