Quality of Care Report - Ballarat Health Services

Victoria provides modern andsophisticated care for over60,000 mental healthpatients every year.Almost one million Victorianswill experience some type ofmental illness each year.Public Mental Health servicesare mainly directed at the 3per cent of the populationwho suffer from the mostsevere mental healthproblems, with around 40per cent of this groupreceiving a service from thepublic sector.Over the next few months, John and hisfamily receive regular visits at homefrom the Treating Clinician, whomonitors John’s progress, provideseducation, and delivers treatmentmodules aimed at improving John’slevel and functioning and minimiseunwanted disruptions to his daily lifeactivities.John is also reviewed on a regular basisby his Psychiatrist and treatmentplanning and progress reports are sentto General Practitioner. John’s mum andThe Psychiatric Service delivers evidencebasedbest practice treatments which areproven to be effective for people whosuffer from a mental illness. Treatment isdelivered in a family inclusive framework.Clinical staff undergo comprehensivetraining in the latest treatment methodsand education and training is provided byworld leaders who are recognised expertsin the field. Psychiatric Services have bothconsumer and carer consultants on staffto act as advocates for clients and theirfamilies. Jackie has been at the forefrontof actively involving carers and has set upcarer consultant groups across the region.dad remain involved and informed of allfacets of care delivery.John responds very well to thetreatments provided, and is able to getthrough most days without hearingvoices or having negative thoughts.He has never been employed, otherthan on the family farm, so the TreatingClinician arranges a referral andintroduction to the nearest EmploymentServices offices.He gains some casual work in a nearbyCamera shop and soon develops a keeninterest in photography.John enrolls for a photography courseat the TAFE College in Ararat and isdoing well.He also shows ability at webpagedevelopment and other computer skills.Colin and Jean are extremely pleasedwith his progress and are confident thatthey can assist John to remain well.The discharge planningprocess of psychiatricservices includes ensuringthat clients, their doctor andtheir families are aware ofearly warning signs whichmay indicate a relapse andhow and where to seek help.They know what early warning signs tolook for and how to seek help if it isneeded.Following a case closure review, Johnand his family are happy to receiveongoing care and monitoring from theirgeneral practitioner. The generalpractitioner is involved in the dischargeplanning process, the ongoingtreatment plan and how to obtain fromthe Psychiatric service should it beneeded.Other MentalHealth Statisticsfor Victoria:Around 30 per cent ofhomeless people have amental health problem.Some 28 per cent of newlyremanded offenders suffermental illness, with rates ofbipolar disorder andschizophrenia 10 timesthat of the generalpopulation.Almost one third of alcoholand drug treatment clientsneed access to public orprivate mental healthservices.Carer Consultant Jackie Crowe17Quality of Care Report 2007-08