Media Release: Eastern Melbourne PHN Welcomes Mental Health Transitional Funding

01 May, 2017

Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) welcomes the announcement by Commonwealth Minister for Health Greg Hunt outlining $3.1 million in transitional funding for the mental health nurses services in 2017-2018

EMPHN CEO, Robin Whyte said that Eastern Melbourne is one of the four PHN regions most impacted by changes to mental health nursing funding.

“We welcome this announcement as it will ensure continuity of care for people with moderate and severe mental health issues. It will also ease the transition of mental health nurses and their clients into a sustainable and efficient model of mental health care,” Ms Whyte said.

EMPHN is working closely with the community and service providers to begin a gradual transition to a Mental Health Stepped Model of Care. 

This new stepped model will offer a greater variety of support options for people with different levels and types of mental health needs. This model also connects to other community and clinical mental health services available in our local area.

“EMPHN has a very good track record in working with mental health nursing service providers.  Between July 2016 and March 2017, EMPHN has delivered 13,000 mental health nursing service sessions to around 2,500 clients with moderate to severe mental health issues across our region,” Ms Whyte said.

"In addition, we have facilitated the implementation of various service delivery models for mental health nursing services in GP practices and psychiatrist practices to respond to the needs of EMPHN’s diverse population.

“Our priority is to ensure continuity of care during this transition for our clients receiving mental health nursing services”.

“EMPHN is proud to introduce a sustainable model of care that draws on the strengths of our existing primary care workforce, of which mental health nurses comprise a significant and valuable part,” she said.

For media inquiries:

Sofia Dedes- Marketing and Communications Consultant, Eastern Melbourne PHN

Ph: 0400 512 618

Sofia.dedes@emphn.org.au