NT Branch Advocacy night

The RANZCP NT Branch advocates for transforming the model of mental healthcare provision in the Territory. We support moving from a hospital-centered model (reliant on emergency departments and inpatient units) to a community-centered model, with tightly coordinated and integrated mobile services, and hospital in-reach when necessary.

Too many people are waiting too long without the help they need, and there is a lack of funding to deliver preventative care. The neglect of community mental health services leads to increased complexity and severity of illness, increased risk of suicidality, greater burden on the health system and economy, and less resilient communities.

This event provided detailed discussions on the importance of resourcing preventative and early intervention care to address the persistent mental health crisis in the NT. Reorienting health services, securing adequate funding, and supporting the mental health workforce are key actions required to improve access and equity to mental health care in the Territory.

Speakers

• The Hon Selena Uibo MLA, Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Minister for Health
• Mr Bill Yan MLA, Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Shadow Minister for Health
• Dr Femi Ogeleye, Katherine Mental Health Service
• Mr Geoff Radford, CEO NTMHC
• Dr David Chapman, RANZCP NT Branch Chair