The Top End Health Service is holding its first ever Mental Health Integration Forum today to review the current state and future direction of mental health service delivery in the Top End.

The consumer focussed forum held at the Darwin Convention Centre brings together key stakeholders from across Government and the mental health sector for a day of planning, discussion and analysis. It is the first step to improving mental health service integration and consumer focussed care in the Top End.

Richard Campion, General Manager, Top End Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs, said the forum was an important first step in building relationships and gaining a better understanding of the current state of mental health services.

“This is an important opportunity for us to set a new functional framework for mental health service delivery, with input from a wide range of stakeholders and through that enhance our consumers’ experience,” he said.

“The Forum will provide the opportunity for stakeholders to come together to examine current service from a consumer perspective, to set the framework for the establishment of clear pathways for consumers, and to develop collaborative practices that enhance consumer journeys.

“We also want to have frank discussions around the current challenges of providing care to mental health consumers in the Top End. We aim to do that through examining a series of case studies and collating ideas from right across the sector to help set our future direction.

“Our end goal is to improve consumer centred care across all aspects of mental health and alcohol and other drugs service delivery. Ensuring we encompass the journey from our service through to the NGO sector.”

The Forum will be a launching point for a Top End Health Service priority project around mental health services in the Top End and all key stakeholders will continue to have active input into future direction going forward.

The Top End Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Service provides a wide range of services to Territorians, including acute, crisis focused and community-based mental health interventions across the Top End.

Media contact:  Kirsty Reid 0401 116 203

Media note: An interview op will be available with Richard Campion at 3.25pm at Darwin Convention Centre. Please confirm your attendance as interviews will occur during a break in the forum.