Mental Health GP Liaison Officer
 
Program Overview and Rationale
The Mental Health GP Shared Care and Liaison position is funded by Northern Sydney Central Coast Mental Health Service and works in partnership with the Central Coast Divisions of GPs. This program aims to:
a) Clinically support existing MHS clients by identifying their needs and formulating a management plan in consultation with the client and GP (for the purpose of shared care with the GP)
b) Developing and maintaining systems that engage and support GPs in order to achieve greater collaboration between GPs and Central Coast Mental Health Services (MHS) as well as enhancing the provision of Mental Health Services on the Central Coast.
There is substantial evidence of the current role of primary care in the early identification and treatment of mental disorders in acute and continuous care. Mental illness is common and often disabling. Nearly 18% of the Australian population suffers from mental illness in any one year. There is a serious undersupply and misdistribution of psychiatirists & GPs in both urban and rural areas of Australia. A high proportion of those with a mental disorder who seek treatment (77%) go to a GP.
Duration of Program and how it Operates
The program commenced in 2002 and is ongoing. Funding for the Mental Health GP Shared Care and Liaison officer allocates 50% of their time providing direct clinical care to existing MHS clients and 50% of their time in the Mental Health GP Liaison role.
How the Program benefits GPs and their Patients
The program provides a service that supports and educates General Practitioners in the provision of best practice treatment for mental illness/disorders. It aims to improve access to Mental Health Services for GPs and improve access to GP Services for Mental Health Services.
The Mental Health GP Liaison Officer (MHGPLO) is a primary contact point for GPs on Mental Health issues and primary point of contact for Mental Health Services on General Practice issues and can provide information and resources as needed.
Improved information, training and access to services for GPs patients lead to earlier intervention and treatment for those with a Mental Health condition.
Current level of Program Participation / Utilisation
GP Shared Care
Clinical Support can be provided to 15 Central Coast Mental Health clients with their GPs. This clinical support continues until all parties involved agree that the patient’s care will be managed by the GP solely.
Mental Health GP Liaison Officer (MHGPLO)
All Central Coast GPs, Central Coast Mental Health staff and other Non Government organisations have the opportunity to utilise the services of the MHGPLO via phone or practice visits from Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
Co-ordination of the Program
The Mental Health GP Working Group will oversee and coordinate the goals, outcomes and activities of the Mental Health GP Liaison Officer. As a member of the Mental Health GP Working Group, the MHGPLO is accountable to the Service Director of Mental Health Services, through Service Manager Adult Mental Health for line management. At the Division, this position reports to the Operations Manager.
Sarah Fenton
Mental Health GP Liaison Officer
Ph: 4365-2294
Mob: 0414 192-934
More Information
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