- Dedicated Mental Health Transport Officer workforce introduced in country WA
- Officers work alongside clinicians, Royal Flying Doctor Service WA, and St John Ambulance WA to facilitate aeromedical and road-based interhospital transfers
- Program frees up country-based WA Police officers to continue providing regular services
- Cook Government ensuring all Western Australians can access the healthcare they need, when they need it
The Cook Government has launched a new initiative to improve the transfer of mental health patients in country Western Australia, with the introduction of a dedicated Mental Health Transport Officer (MHTO) workforce.
The transport of patients experiencing mental health issues will now be supported by Mental Health Transport Officers, a role previously undertaken by WA Police.
The MHTO workforce will have officers with specialised skills to be able to support patients during transfers between country and metropolitan hospitals.
The State Health Operations Centre will co-ordinate the MHTO workforce, which will work alongside local clinicians, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) WA, and St John Ambulance WA to facilitate aeromedical and road-based interhospital transfers to ensure safety for patients and staff.
The program is currently operating from a central base in Perth, with staff deployed via Royal Flying Doctor Service WA to regional sites.
Over the coming months, the program will expand its footprint, with staff based in regional centres as it enters the next phase of implementation.
As stated by Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Having a dedicated team able to provide a support structure for our clinicians, paramedics, and RFDS will ensure the very best outcomes for patients, healthcare staff, and the community.
"This is a significant step forward in providing rural and remote Western Australians with access to safe and compassionate care for those experiencing mental health challenges.
"This program frees up country-based police officers to continue providing regular services within their communities."
