Media Release: New inquiry into the equity, accessibility and appropriate delivery of outpatient and community mental health care in NSW
An Upper House inquiry has been established to inquire into the equity, accessibility and appropriate delivery of outpatient and community mental health care in New South Wales. Dr Amanda Cohn MLC, Chair of Portfolio Committee No. 2 – said: "We have established this inquiry because of the critical importance of outpatient and community mental health services to the health and wellbeing of communities across New South Wales.”
Through this inquiry, the committee will examine outpatient and community mental health services from the perspective of patients and carers, and the capacity of state and other community health services including in rural, regional and remote New South Wales. The committee will also consider the benefits and the risks associated with online and telehealth services, given their increasing prevalence as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chair, Dr Cohn, added: 'In addition, the committee will examine accessibility and cultural safety of mental health services, including for First Nations people, CALD communities, LGBTQIA+ people, young people and people with disability, as well as the appropriate and efficient allocation of mental health care workers.'
Dr Cohn concluded: 'This is an opportunity for people across New South Wales to have their experiences heard, and to examine opportunities for meaningful reform.'
The committee welcomes submissions from interested stakeholders and members of the community. The closing date for submissions is 6 September 2023, with the committee to hold hearings and site visits later in the year. For further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, please visit the committee website.
For further information, please contact Committee Chair, Dr Amanda Cohn MLC, on (02) 9230 2566