Richmond to Hold Budget

January 6 2005

Richmond to Hold Budget for Regional Mental Health Services

Richmond Fellowship, the national provider of community support services, has gained the distinction of being the first non-government provider to take the role of budget holder for a regional mental health service.

Richmond has been selected to deliver residential and community support services in the Wairarapa from April 2005, in line with the strategy for mental health announced by the Wairarapa DHB in July 2004.

Richmond chief executive Dr Gerry Walmisley says the appointment is a significant first for the non-governmental sector. “As the budget holder for services in the Wairarapa it will be our responsibility to plan and deliver a range of services, from community based support through to individual packages of support for high and complex needs,” he says.

Wairarapa DHB’s decision follows research and feedback that identified the need to change the way services are delivered to better meet consumers needs. The DHB called for expressions of interest and selected Richmond as the preferred provider based on “an excellent record for service delivery throughout New Zealand.”

Wairarapa DHB’s general manager of planning and funding, Joy Cooper, said Richmond has been a service provider in the area for nine years and recently received the highest score ever awarded in the audit programme for the central regions.

Dr Walmisley says the aggregation of services aims to resolve problems with service fragmentation and the viability of some smaller providers, and would prevent duplication of effort in some areas. He says Richmond will continue to work with other service providers and will sub contract some services as appropriate.

“We’re delighted to have won selection for such an important role and commend Wairarapa for their willingness to pioneer a new approach. It has become clear in recent years that the smaller DHBs are the ones that are leading the way with new solutions, and we hope other DHBs will take an interest in the benefits that will accrue for health consumers and the funders.”

“Richmond has the critical mass and the breadth of experience to make a smooth transition into this new role, and we look forward to planning some exciting new services that will provide consumers with more choices.

“As in all our services, we will be talking openly with consumers, their families and with staff throughout the implementation of the new services.”

About Richmond Fellowship Richmond Fellowship is a major provider of community health and support services throughout New Zealand. The Fellowship has developed specialist services for a range of purchasers including the Ministry of Health, Crown Public Health, Child Youth and Family Service and District Health Boards. Services include support programmes for people with mental, psychiatric or psychological illness, respite and emergency support, consumer based drop-in services, specialist youth services and dual diagnosis services (including intellectual disability/mental illness).

ENDS

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