Providing faster mental health support for Geelong

Providing faster mental health support for Geelong

The Victorian Government is partnering with Ambulance Victoria and Barwon Health on an innovative trial that gives locals living with acute mental health issues the treatment and care they need, faster.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews joined Victorian Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley to unveil the Prehospital Response of Mental Health and Paramedic Team (PROMPT) trial, which will see specialist mental health staff join paramedics in attending call-outs where mental health may be a factor.

The Victorian-first trial will mean patients are assessed and triaged sooner, and fewer patients will need to be taken to busy emergency departments.

The specialist mental health staff will arrive at call-outs in normal vehicles, removing the risk that patients may become further distressed by the sight of an ambulance.

Calls to Triple Zero could be answered by both paramedics and the specialist PROMPT team, or the PROMPT team may become the designated first responders.

The Victorian Government is also building an Emergency Department Crisis Hub at University Hospital Geelong, so people needing urgent mental health treatment can get specialist, dedicated care.

To ensure a mental health system that works for all Victorians, the Victorian Government will accept all recommendations that come from its landmark Royal Commission into Mental Health.

The PROMPT trial begins on 6 May 2019 and will operate from 2.30pm-11.30pm, Thursday to Monday.

Source: Vic Government