MENTAL health advocates and clients can look forward to a regionally planned, integrated and coordinated service system under a reform package.
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The individual needs of patients will be at the centre of the mental health system.
That is as a result of the reform package stemming from the federal government's response to the mental health review.
The changes will see primary health networks across Australia commission all regionally
delivered Commonwealth-funded primary mental health services by 2018 and take a lead role in
ensuring a well integrated mental health system.
North Coast Primary Health Network acting chief executive Michael Carter said primary health networks were ideally placed to lead a regional approach to mental health.
"We welcome the opportunity that the announcement by Minister Ley provides," Mr Carter said. "These changes will allow us to build upon work already begun with local health districts and
other service providers, and allow us to go further in improving linkages to best meet the individual needs of consumers across our region."
Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW chief executive officer Rob Ramjan said it was wonderful to have the government's response to the review but the detail was a little unclear.
"The concept of having local decision making or control is wonderful," he said.
"It does address where people are living and the variance that might be there around the country."
National youth mental health foundation headspace chief executive officer Chris Tanti welcomed the focus on local service delivery, responding to individual needs, and the promise of better coordination between state and federal governments.
"While much of the detail of the response from the government is still to be finalised, I look forward to working alongside Minister for Health Sussan Ley MP, her department, and the recently established Primary Health Networks to ensure the existing nationally integrated platform of care for our young people continues to operate effectively," Mr Tanti said.
"The Minister and the Department of Health have given a firm commitment to the continued roll out of headspace, acknowledging it represents international best practice."
The federal government recognises that when it comes to mental health or illness, not everyone is the same.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Health Minister Sussan Ley said someone suffering a mental health issue related to a specific incident in their life such as sickness or job loss may require a different level of care to a person with long-term chronic depression or psychiatric conditions.
Mental illness is third largest chronic disease in the country.
The reforms will introduced between 2016 and 2019 and delivered within existing funding.