Recent performance reports released by the Department of Health show that Latrobe Regional Health (LRH), Gippsland’s main acute mental health provider, is failing to meet mental health-based government service targets.
In the 2023-2024 financial year LRH only achieved 84 per cent of its targeted mental health community service hours. Based off the figures achieved in the first quarter report, that number is on target to fall to just 76 per cent in the current year.
The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, said that it was extremely disappointing to see LRH continuing to fail to meet service targets despite the recent establishment of a $10 million emergency department mental health hub.
“This report shows LRH as the worst performing public hospital in the state in terms of meeting mental health community service hours targets,” Mr Cameron said.
“While it was promising to see financial investment in LRH through the establishment of the mental health hub, this is only beneficial if we are actually able to staff and properly resource the facility.”
Alarmingly, these performance reports also show that only 36 per cent of mental health patients presenting to LRH ED are offered a bed within 8 hours, a significant fall from 53 per cent last quarter and well below the targeted 80 per cent.
The Nationals’ Leader and Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, said this is not a reflection on our hard-working mental health professionals who are doing their best in extremely difficult circumstances.
“The local demand for mental health support is higher than ever, and you simply can’t offer a bed that doesn’t exist.
“Our local health professionals work tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for our community, but they are fighting with their hands tied behind their backs when our health services are understaffed and under-resourced.”
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said more needed to be done to assist with mental health support before it results in an ED presentation.
“I often hear from the community that people are being asked to wait months for an appointment with a psychologist or a counsellor,” Ms Bath said.
“When someone speaks up and asks for help, it is crucial that they are able to access timely support, not in three months’ time.”
Mr Cameron said the Allan Labor Government cannot manage health services and our most vulnerable Gippslanders and their loved ones are paying the price.
