‘It’s been very useful having a psychiatrist out there’: AMA NT president on mental health at Howard Springs

A MEDICAL professional who “advocated very strongly” for a resident psychiatrist at the Howard Springs quarantine facility says the service has been useful, following concerns about the state of mental health checks

• Mental health checks at Howard Springs not up to standard: Quarantiner

A LEADING NT medical professional, who “advocated very strongly” for a resident psychiatrist at the Howard Springs quarantine facility says the service has been useful for people in isolation, following concerns there are not enough mental health checks.

Catherine Voumard, who was put into quarantine at Howard Springs last week after the Territory briefly shut its borders to South Australia, told the NT News while she had many concerns about the facility, a lack of mental health checks was most worrying.

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“Unless you were prepared to spill your guts to someone who was really there to tick and flick, I don’t think any people that were really struggling with their mental health would have been picked up,” she said.

Australian Medical Association NT president Dr Robert Parker however explained he pushed for a psychiatrist in residence at the facility earlier this year, and to his knowledge one was often in use.

“We actually organised with AUSMAT a psychiatrist, so there’s a psychiatrist in residence at Howard Springs and there will be for the foreseeable future,” he said.

“The role of the psychiatrist is to basically develop mental health plans with the AUSMAT staff and to assess anyone that needs psychiatric assistance.

“I thought it was essential. It’s a vulnerable group of individuals, and it’s been very useful having a psychiatrist out there.”

A SecureNT spokeswoman said the health and wellbeing of residents in quarantine was a priority, with resources available to assist people.

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“The Welfare Group and Department of Health provide support services to residents in quarantine and make regular visits or phone calls to make sure residents are connected with the services and essential items they need,” she said.

“Residents in quarantine can request in-person assistance from professionals.

“Residents are encouraged to contact the Welfare Group or Department of Health during their daily visits regarding specific requirements. Contact details are provided to all residents in the information pack supplied on arrival.”

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