Lifeline calls for better support for mental health patients

Lifeline Aotearoa calls for better support for mental health patients presenting in A&Es

Lifeline Aotearoa supports calls to urgently address how to better respond growing numbers of mental health patients presenting in A&Es across the country.

“Attendances in emergency departments should be an absolute last resort, “said Ms Denvir. Lifeline Aotearoa’s Chief Executive.

“Crisis support for mentally unwell New Zealanders is often very difficult to access and too many people in crisis end up in A&E because there is simply no where else to go. The problem is that A&Es are often not the best place to deal with a person experiencing a significant mental health issue. A&Es are busy, noisy and very clinical in design,” said Ms Denvir.

“Looking for better options in the crisis response to mental health is absolutely no reflection on the caring and skilled staff in A&Es who under stressful conditions generally do an excellent job managing mental health presentations. A&E staff are however often too busy to be able to respond appropriately. Further, it is often not the best use of their time, or the resources of an emergency department,” says Ms Denvir.

“Lifeline Aotearoa has long been calling for better use of mental health workers in, or alongside A&Es. This would not only free up resources within A&Es, but also provide a better response for those experiencing mental health issues. Organisations like Lifeline can not only work to triage patients at the time of presentation, but can offer longer, wrap around support going forward which we know is critical to recovery and wellness. A&Es are not designed to do this,” said Ms Denvir.

Access to quality support does not necessarily mean leaving your home anymore.  Support is available through Lifeline services like the WARMLINE – a peer-support helpline for people with lived experience of mental health, and TAUTOKO – New Zealand’s only Suicide Crisis Helpline

for anyone thinking about suicide, bereaved by suicide, or supporting someone.

“Our job is to help a person move from crisis to safety and recovery. When people seek help from our Warmline or TAUTOKO helplines, positive recovery outcomes occur. Imagine what we could achieve with an integrated system of support between Lifeline and ED,” said Ms Denvir.

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