Mental Health Targets Aren’t Enough – Unless NZ Backs Them Up with More Detail and Funding
The Announced Targets
The New Zealand government has recently announced targets for improving mental health care. While these targets may seem laudable, they lack crucial details about how they will be achieved and funded. The new targets include 80% of people accessing specialist services being seen within three weeks, and 95% of people seen for mental health needs at an emergency department being seen and discharged or transferred within six hours. Additionally, the government has promised to train 500 professionals each year and allocate 25% of funding to prevention and early intervention.
The Government’s Commitment
The government’s commitment to mental health is commendable. An additional $200 million has been set aside for mental health and addiction services this year, an increase of about $100 million on the 2023 budget. Further, the government has committed $24 million over four years to Mike King’s I Am Hope Foundation and $10 million to the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s willingness to provide resources to support mental health services.
Challenges Ahead
However, implementing these targets will require significant investment. Precisely how much funding will be needed is unclear, as there is a lack of data on the total costs required to have a mental health system that meets the needs of New Zealanders. The government’s commitment to addressing the shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists is encouraging, but it is crucial to understand from the government how many of these professionals will be trained.
Past Targets Missed the Mark
This is not the first time a National-led government has announced targets for the sector. In 2012, targets were set for 80% of youth accessing specialist services to be seen within three weeks, and 95% seen within eight weeks. While many district health boards met the initial target, wait-times for subsequent appointments often ballooned to many months. A report by the Mental Health Commissioner found 17% of complaints related to inadequate or inappropriate follow-up care.
Pressure on Emergency Departments
The goal of 95% of mental health clients being seen and discharged from emergency departments appears to be a restating of an existing target that has been inconsistent in its achievement. Emergency departments have consistently struggled to meet this target, despite the efforts of healthcare providers.
Supporting Community Providers
The government deserves credit for its commitment to supporting community providers through its $10 million innovation fund. This fund will match, dollar-for-dollar, proposals from community providers that increase services outside the public sector, taking pressure off Health New Zealand. This recognition of community providers’ work is essential for providing comprehensive mental health services.
Conclusion
While the government’s commitment to improving mental health care is welcome, it is essential to provide clear details on how these targets will be achieved and funded. Without this transparency, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of the government’s initiatives. The government needs to provide a comprehensive plan that takes into account the shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as the need for prevention and early intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the announced targets for improving mental health care?
A: The targets include 80% of people accessing specialist services being seen within three weeks and 95% of people seen for mental health needs at an emergency department being seen and discharged or transferred within six hours.
Q: How much funding has been allocated for mental health services?
A: An additional $200 million has been set aside for mental health and addiction services this year, an increase of about $100 million on the 2023 budget.
Q: Will the government provide more support for community providers?
A: Yes, the government has committed $10 million to its innovation fund, which will match dollar-for-dollar proposals from community providers to increase services outside the public sector.
Q: Are the targets achievable?
A: Achieving the targets will require significant investment, and it is unclear how much funding will be needed. The government must provide a comprehensive plan that takes into account the shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as the need for prevention and early intervention.
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