The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering our long-term $20.5 million plan to reform Older Persons Mental Health Services in Tasmania.
Following on from the Review of Roy Fagan Centre Older Persons Mental Health Services, the Government acted swiftly to strengthen resourcing, processes and procedures, including an increase in workforce for the service.
The second annual progress report of the Older Persons Mental Health Reform Program has now been released.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said that every Tasmanian should have access to mental health services and supports that suit their level of need, no matter their age.
"The Older Persons Mental Health Reform Program continues to implement the recommendations from the Roy Fagan Centre and Older Persons Mental Health Services Review Report," Minister Barnett said.
"Successful recruitment of a Statewide Specialty Director and Group Director has occurred to provide dedicated leadership to the service and a program to provide rapid, specialised in-reach support into Aged Care Facilities in the North of the State has also commenced.
"This program assists Tasmanians experiencing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, and will be evaluated with the intention of expanding the service state-wide.
"The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to improving the lives of older people with mental illness and complex dementia through the ongoing Older Persons Mental Health Reform Program.
"Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future also ensures we continue developing new, contemporary models of care and increased recruitment of new staff which are already improving outcomes for older Tasmanians.
"Our Government will also invest an additional $82.56 million over the next four years to establish a new purpose-built, 40-bed Older Persons Mental Health Facility at the St Johns Park Health and Wellbeing Precinct."
The annual progress report can be accessed here: Older Persons Mental Health Reform Program Annual Progress Report 2023 | Tasmanian Department of Health
