Statement on report into New Zealand’s mental health system

The peak body for emergency medicine in New Zealand and Australia has called for commitment and action, following the handing down of the Report of the Government Inquiry to Mental Health and Addiction.

The peak body for emergency medicine in New Zealand and Australia has called for commitment and action, following the handing down of the Report of the Government Inquiry to Mental Health and Addiction.

Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) President-Elect Dr John Bonning, a Waikato emergency doctor, said: “As the report clearly states, the time for talk is over and we all now need to come together and work towards having the best mental health system we can possibly have.

"The College looks forward to working with all stakeholders – the government, District Health Boards, NGOs – to put people at the centre of changes to ensure it’s easier and faster for people in need to access care and support when someone is facing mental health or addiction challenges."

ACEM President Dr Simon Judkins said: “Mental illness and addiction are major health and social policy issues.

"We look forward to having a better functioning system that coordinates primary care, prevention and early interventions with acute care so that people can access wrap around services when they need it in their community and are less likely to need crisis care in emergency departments.

"Particularly for Māori, Pasifika, and young people we welcome recommendations to strengthen the quality of the care, support and interventions available in the community and where necessary through emergency departments."

Background
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in New Zealand and Australia, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au

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