Patients out in the cold
Mental Health Royal Commission told in Geelong:
GEELONG mental health patients have been discharged with no accommodation — just a swag, the Royal Commission into Mental Health has heard.
Concerns about patients being discharged without adequate support were aired at the Geelong consultation held yesterday.
The alarming revelation was one of several issues raised about the local mental health system.
The commission chairman, THREE jet ski legends from Hawaii have paid a flying visit to Torquay to train locals in best-practice rescues.
Torquay Marine Rescue Service (TMRS) and Patagonia says it was privileged to welcome Brian Keaulana (professional lifeguard) Pat Chong Tim (ocean risk specialist/risk technician) and Greg Long Penny Armytage, said that other key issues raised in a consultation with consumers and carers were: SECLUSION rates and use of medication during inpatient care, and whether those responses were proportionate; ACCESS to services was a strong theme, with concerns around waiting times, particularly if patients were unable to afford private treatment; PROGRAMS for people living with eating disorders; and SUPPORT for people dealing with mental illness in the workplace. (professional big wave surfer) to Torquay over the weekend to deliver the first Big Wave Risk Assessment Group (BWRAG) summit held in Australia.
Hawaiians ‘Uncle Brian’, ‘Uncle Pat’ and Greg, were joined by Australian professional big wave surfer Dan Ross and world champion paddle boarder and Torquay local Zeb Walsh.
“Significant themes were around the ongoing stigma around mental health and the need to focus on better intervention and support, especially for young people,” Ms Armytage said.
Ms Armytage said there was a “very strong sense of hope” at the consultation, and some “strong and constructive” ideas were raised.
Barwon Health mental health, drugs and alcohol services director Steve Moylan said homelessness and unstable housing were challenging issues for many in the
The BWRAG Summit os designed to provide those involved with big wave surfing with specialised training in advanced rescue techniques, trauma first aid and surf survival skills.
The program also heavily focused on developing a culture of safety and respect for participants, fellow water users and the environment.
TMRS Commodore Adam community, including people receiving mental health care.
“Our mental health team work collaboratively with our consumers affected by homelessness or unstable housing to find accommodation options on discharge from hospital,” Prof Moylan said.
“Whilst we work hard to ensure safe discharge options, unfortunately there are not always options available and we have had instances where we have supported consumers to pursue alternative options on discharge using our post-discharge support fund.” Stephens said TMRS has joined with the BWRAG team to hone surf rescue skills and learn world’s best practice rescue techniques, training and development.
“Brian, Pat and Greg are pioneers and world leaders in RWC (jet ski) surf rescue,” he said.
“The opportunity to train and develop new skills, alongside a level of expertise not
Yesterday’s revelations come after a recent Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council report found Geelong hospital was the worst performing hospital in the state for seclusion for the second consecutive survey, obtaining the highest figures for locking distressed patients in isolated rooms.
The report showed Geelong hospital had the highest rate of seclusion in the last quarter of 2018 (October to December), with 36.5 episodes per 1000 bed days.
In response to the readily available in Australia was invaluable.”
Mr Stephens said TMRS and the BWRAG team have also held discussions about opportunities to improve recreational jet ski safety.
He said surfers are our best lifesaving resource.
“They are there all year round, including well before and after the flags are put out and taken down,” he said. report’s release, Prof Moylan said the hospital used seclusion for patients who presented a “high risk” to their own health, or the safety of others, and received regular monitoring by hospital staff.
He said the hospital had introduced several initiatives to reduce the rates of seclusion.
The Geelong royal commission consultation follows sessions in Melbourne’s southeast and the Western District.
The commission is expected to deliver an interim report by November and a final report by October 2020.
“Even when on water, the nearest lifesaving resource, whether (VMR) volunteer marine rescue or surf lifesaving can be over 15 minutes away — especially in remote surf locations.
“Equipping tow-surfers with essential lifesaving skills will save lives.
“This has been the experience in Hawaii and we want to bring that to the Surf Coast.”