People seeking urgent mental health care at Nepean Hospital are now able to receive help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at one of the state’s newest dedicated triage and assessment centres.
Officially opened today by NSW Minister for Mental Health, Tanya Davies, and Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres, the triage and assessment centre (TAC) will also help reduce demand on the Hospital’s emergency department.
“The centre is staffed with highly skilled nurses, doctors and other health professionals, who can not only assess the patient, but work with them on a health plan and, if required, admit them for in-hospital care,” Mrs Davies said.
Mr Ayres said members of the community in need of mental health care could go directly to the TAC, without attending the emergency department, if they do not require urgent medical care for physical injuries or other serious physical health conditions.
“The TAC is dedicated to delivering compassionate and responsive mental health care for those who need it most, day or night,” Mr Ayres said.
“People can walk into the centre without an appointment or be brought to the centre by family, friends, ambulance paramedics, and other emergency services.”
General Manager of Mental Health in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Cathy Crowe, said the purpose built facility began operating in February this year.
“Importantly we also have peer workers on site to help guide and support our patients. Our peer workers have all previously received mental health care and have personal insight that is very helpful to our patients,” Ms Crowe said.
The new TAC is part of the multi-million dollar Mental Health building on the Nepean Hospital campus.
“This unique service promises to help thousands of people to access urgent mental health care more easily,” Mrs Davies said.
If you or someone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
