newy.com.au – Lyne MP Alison Penfold has sought a meeting with the federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health over gaps in regional care, warning that residents seeking help face long waits, high costs and lengthy travel for treatment.
In an R U OK? Day appeal on Thursday, September 10, Ms Penfold called for the government to reassess services across the electorate. She is also seeking accounts from health workers, carers and residents about difficulties accessing treatment to support her push for better care.
Ms Penfold cited findings from the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network that rates of mental and behavioural disorders were above the national average in communities including Dungog, Maitland, Mid Coast and Port Stephens.
The network had also identified shortages of psychiatrists and experienced psychologists, along with waiting times, cost, transport and poorly connected services as barriers to care, particularly in regional communities, she said.
“And in communities already experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, telling someone they can access care if they can afford to pay privately or travel hundreds of kilometres is not an adequate answer,” Ms Penfold said.
She said Lyne had no Medicare Mental Health Centre or Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub for children aged up to 12, and no headspace Plus service had been announced for the electorate.
Ms Penfold also raised concerns about specialist staffing at Manning Base Hospital. She said the hospital had a 20-bed acute mental health unit serving the Manning and Lower Mid North Coast, but appeared to have no psychiatrist on staff, with psychiatric support provided through telehealth.
“Telehealth has an important role in regional medicine, but it should supplement specialist care, not become a substitute for having specialists in regional communities,” she said.
The need for accessible care had become more pressing after last year’s floods, Ms Penfold said, with psychological effects continuing for some residents.
She recently raised Lyne’s mental health needs in federal Parliament and said she had asked the Assistant Minister for Mental Health to meet to discuss service gaps. Her request for community feedback covers both barriers to treatment and services that are working well.
Ms Penfold encouraged anyone struggling to speak with a friend, family member, health professional or support service, saying that asking someone how they were feeling and listening to their answer mattered, alongside ensuring professional help was available when needed.
Service Contact Support
R U OK? ruok.org.au Advice on starting a conversation and supporting someone
Lifeline 13 11 14 Crisis support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Lifeline text 0477 13 11 14 Crisis support by text
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Free, confidential counselling for people aged 5 to 25, 24/7
13YARN 13 92 76 Free, confidential crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 24/7
Emergency 000 Call if someone is in immediate danger
