What is the Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program?
The Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program aims to provide greater access to mental health services for those living in rural and remote areas of Australia.
It forms part of the Australian Government's component of the Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006 - 2011.
Responsibility for the Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program rests with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Why is this important?
People in rural and remote areas currently have less access to mental health services than people in metropolitan areas. These difficulties may be compounded by shortages of mental health facilities and professionals in rural and remote communities.
This program complements the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) initiative by increasing access to mental health services in rural and remote areas where access to the Medicare subsidised mental health items is lower.
Who will benefit?
Under this program, more people with mental illness in rural and remote locations will be able to gain access to services provided by social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, mental health nurses, Aboriginal health workers and Aboriginal mental health workers.
What will the Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program deliver?
The program aims to increase services delivered through a flexible model of care, with medical practitioner oversight, in rural and remote areas including those affected by drought throughout Australia.
How will it work?
Organisations including Divisions of General Practice, Aboriginal Medical Services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service are receiving funding to provide mental health services to rural and remote communities.
The program adopts a flexible approach to service delivery ensuring that the type of service established is appropriate for each rural and remote area.The Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program[ has been implemented in two stages. Stage One was implemented in June 2007 and funding is currently being provided to 14 organisations. Funding has been provided in identified geographical areas of need through selected organisations that have capacity to deliver mental health services.
Stage Two builds on Stage One and will increase mental health services in rural and remote areas of high need, including areas affected by the drought. Stage Two was implemented in June 2008, with funding provided to 24 organisations in 25 rural and remote areas.
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What funding is attached to this Program?
The Australian Government has committed funding of $60.4 million over five years (2006-07 to 2010-11) to provide rural and remote areas with more allied and nursing mental health services through the Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program.
When did the Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program start?
The Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program commenced in 2006-07.
How is the Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program progressing?
Funding agreements are currently in place with 39 organisations under the Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program. Organisations funded include:
Stage One
North West Slopes (NSW) Division of General Practice
General Practice Network NT (formerly Top End Division of General Practice)
General Practice Network NT (formerly Central Australian Division of Primary Health Care)
Nganampa Health Council
Eyre Peninsula Division of General Practice
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section)
Wuchopperen Health Service
North and West Queensland Primary Health Care
GP North West
Mallee Division of General Practice
Kimberley Division of General Practice
Goldfields Esperance GP Network
General Practice Down South
Midwest GP Network
Stage Two
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia - NSW section
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia - NT section
NSW Outback Division of General Practice
Barwon Division of General Practice
New England Division of General Practice
Southern General Practice Network
Hunter Rural Division of General Practice
Dubbo Plains Division of General Practice
General Practice Network NT
Flinders and Far North Division of General Practice
Yorke Peninsula Division of General Practice
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section)
Far North Queensland Rural Division of General Practice
Wuchopperen Health Service
Central Queensland Rural Division of General Practice
R Health (formerly Southern Queensland Rural Division of General Practice)
GP North West
Mallee Division of General Practice
West Vic Division of General Practice
Murray Plains Division of General Practice
North East Victorian Division of General Practice
Goulburn Valley Division of General Practice
Pilbara Division of General Practice
Goldfields Esperance GP Network
Midwest GP Network
In the first two years of operation (July 2007 to June 2009) over 50,000 services have been provided to over 15,000 clients by more than 100 full-time equivalent allied and nursing mental health professionals.
Page currency, Latest update: 10 May, 2007