A Nelson Bay doctor says there's a strong case for dedicated nurses to be involved in the treatment of people with mental illness on the Tomaree Peninsula.
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Speaking ahead of the Lifting the Lid on Mental Illness Forum in May, Dr Tony Plummer said the measure that would improve the system for patients.
"I would love to see Primary Care provide mental health nurses in a general practice setting at the front line of health," Dr Plummer said.
"Funding a mental health care nurse in general practice does have a lot of merrit."
In recent years the system has seen the rise of nurses dedicated to vaiours illnesses.
The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program was launched in July 2007 providing payments to community based general practices, private psychiatric practices and Aboriginal Medical Services.
A review of that federal government program in 2012 noted the aim of mental health nurses was to assist in the provision of coordinated clinical care for people with severe mental health disorders.
Mental health nurses work in collaboration with psychiatrists and general practitioners to provide services such as monitoring a patient‘s mental state, medication management and improving links to other health professionals and clinical service providers.
In the trial these services were provided in a range of settings, such as clinics or patient‘s homes and are provided at little or no cost to the patient.
Charmaine Foster, the clinical nurse specialist attached to the Nelson Bay Community Health Centre, provides a triage service in the assessment and provision of ongoing care for mental health issues.
Ms Foster said a mental health nurse in a general practice setting might help close the gap on mental health treatment when she pointed out there are no private psychiatrists on the Tomaree Peninsula.
"With federal funding of a mental health nurse in a Primary Health [general practitioner] setting there could be some good outcomes for people seeking help with their mental health," she said.
"We know at times that people can become more unwell in a tertiary setting. If prevention is better than the cure we can potentially get in early in the Primary Health setting and manage that person's health while they're in the community and that's better for everyone."
Dr Plummer hoped the Lifting the Lid on Mental Illness forum might fuel discussions and lead to some real improvements.
"I'm encouraging all GPs to attend the forum on May 4, in the hope we can all achieve better mental health outcomes for our patients," Dr Plummer said.
"Talking about funding a mental health nurse is something that has a lot of merit."
The Examiner has contacted the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network for comment.
- Lifting the Lid on Mental Health Awareness starts 5.30pm on May 4 at Nelson Bay Wests Diggers and is free to attend.