‘It’s showing us signs that this model is working’: Health Minister looking to expand trial

THE Gunner Government is considering expanding a new mental health co-responder program across the NT after a six-month trial returned positive results

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THE Gunner government is considering expanding a new mental health co-responder program across the NT after a six-month trial in Darwin saw 70 per cent of call-outs didn’t end up in hospitals.

Health Minister Natasha Fyles said early reports had shown the trial had been a “huge success” in the northern suburbs and she has asked the Health Department to review how it could be adapted across the NT.

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Under the trial, mental health clinicians were responding to mental health-related triple-0 emergencies with police or St John Ambulance paramedics to provide specialised care on a call-out.

Minister Fyles said they were now looking to extend the trial’s end date past March and expand it beyond its current base of operations at the Casuarina police station.

“We’ve seen a significant number, around 70 per cent of calls that have been directed to this team have avoided having to go on an ambulance or into a hospital,” she said.

“It’s showing us signs that this model is working to provide better care to those Territorians suffering from mental illness, as well as supporting our frontline emergency workers. It’s certainly showing us that we can deliver mental health services in a different way and I’m keen as the Minister responsible to see that happen.”

Clinical nurse specialist Amanda Rogers said that similar programs had also been successful in other jurisdictions.

“It can also help avoid unnecessary trauma because an emergency department (ED) can, at times be the worst place for someone having a mental health episode,” she said.

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It comes after Top End Mental Health Service consultant psychiatrist David Chapman said their understaffed team had become incredibly overwhelmed with work this earlier year.

He said at the time they had seen a 30 per cent increase in patients presenting with mental health issues at Royal Darwin Hospital since COVID began.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact the NT Mental Health Line on 1800 682 288 for advice or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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