An Albanese Labor Government will deliver a new Head to Health adult mental health centre in Ipswich.
Federal Labor has committed $14 million over four years for the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network (PHN) to fund and establish the centre.
This will mean residents across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area will have easier access to much-needed mental health services.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the West Moreton region was the fastest growing health district in Queensland with more than 30,000 people moving into the community every year.
“Unfortunately, the region has very high rates of mental illness - with one in seven adults (or more than 29,000 people) experiencing mental health issues - higher than the Queensland and national averages,” he said.
“Primary care is the first port of call for many of these people, with around one in six (or 50,000) people seeing their local GP about a mental health issue, including to develop a mental health care plan.”
“This is why I have been advocating for some time for more services to meet the needs of our fast-growing region.
“This funding commitment from Labor is great news and will address some of the significant mental health care challenges we have in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area.
“Importantly, a new Head to Health facility will provide much-needed support to allow for people to be cared for in the community as much as possible, which will help take the pressure off the hospital system.”
Mr Neumann said the service would be very focused on person-centred care, and be tailor-made for the community and its needs.
“The beauty of these ‘Head to Health’ services is that they will be co-designed with the community and service providers.
“The Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN will work with the community and their partners in the health system to design a Head to Health that works well for the people of Ipswich and West Moreton.
“The program would aim to be a welcoming entry point for people needing assistance and work to break the stigma associated with mental illness before patients have to get to more acute care.
“It is expected the services will include both face-to-face consultations and appointments, as well as telehealth.
“The services are free, and referrals can also be made for more intensive mental health care or social supports if needed.
“The Ipswich Head to Health centre will be established this month, with an intake and referral commencing in the new financial year, and full service delivery expected to commence in early 2023.
“I want to acknowledge PHN Chair and Colleges Crossing Family Practice owner, Dr Tony Bayliss, and PHN Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lucille Chalmers, for their work in advocating for this critical service.
“This important commitment from Labor builds on my recent announcement of a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic for Ipswich.
“Together, these initiatives will make it easier for families across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area to access the health services they need,” Mr Neumann said.
