Launceston's first dedicated walk-in mental health centre, Head to Health, is one step closer to realisation after the federal government announced health service provider Stride would run the centre.
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Due to open in December, the centre will improve access to mental health services for adults in the Launceston area, while reducing demand and congestion at hospitals and emergency rooms in the North of the state.
Stride spokesperson Nicci Dickson said recruitment for the centre had already begun with the service list to be developed in the coming weeks.
"In the next month we will focus on the initial services that will commence in December, and will be recruiting a range of staff, including peer workers with lived experience of mental health," she said.
Dickson said Stride was also recruiting a broad range of carers and allied health professionals including psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers and mental health nurses.
While the service list is yet to be confirmed, Primary Health Tasmania advised the centre would include in-house services for people experiencing a crisis or significant distress, assessments, information and support, evidence-based immediate care and short- to medium-episode care, and pathways to connect the public to other services in the region.
PHT spokesman Mark Broxton said beyond direct services provided by the centre, developing synergies with existing services and mental health providers in the region was key.
He said with gaps in existing services the centre would work closely with the local providers to identify the needs of the community and direct individuals to the service most suitable to their needs.
Ms Dickson said further recruitment was underway to recruit staff to assist with developing pathways and partnerships with other support providers in the state.
She said in order to provide the most holistic care for the community it was vital the centre did not duplicate services that already existed.
"What's really important is what we're not doing when we step in with the Head to Health model and duplicating what already exists because the sector is really well developed," she said.
"An integrated hub is about navigation, bringing together the different partners within the community that work with individuals who have mental health needs and identifying how best to support those people.
"Some services will co-locate within the Head to Health hub and people will be able to come along and have their appointments, possibly for drug and alcohol appointments or mental health appointments.
"Outside of that, it is about assisting people to have warm referrals and navigating their access to the other supports that already exist."
Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the centre was an important step forward in helping Northern Tasmanians dealing with mental health illnesses.
She said the centre would be a valuable addition to existing services and provide urgent short and medium-term care where needed.
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