Mental health triage system announced

Patients calling helplines with urgent mental health issues will be better supported through a single triaging system, which includes 111 calls, says the Health Minister.

The Government announced a $12 million spend in the budget to increase access to mental health services.

Speaking to the Royal New Zealand College of General Practice conference, Minister Jonathan Coleman announced three new initiatives through which the Government hoped to do that.

‘‘This funding is being targeted around three initiatives. The first is to establish a mental health triage system for the national telehealth service, provided by Homecare Medical.

A second initiative would support primary care and social services through a virtual mental health expert advice service.

‘‘This will help them to help people address their mental health issues before they escalate into more serious concerns.’’

The third programme would map out local existing services and better direct people to help in their communities.

All three initiatives would be phased in across DHBs with the roll out expected to be completed nationwide by the end of 2017.