WA Country Health Service says 14 per cent mental health increase at hospitals within normal limits

The WA Country Health Service’s director of psychiatry says an estimated 14 per cent rise in mental health complaints at Capes hospitals is within expected trends. Responding to inquiries triggered by concerns among local social workers at the reach of existing mental health services, WACHS psychiatry director Dr Samir Heble provided data for hospitals in Margaret River, Busselton and Augusta. “The data shows fluctuation of less than 15 per cent,” Dr Heble said. “This is considered within normal activity levels and likely to average out across the year. “All WA Country Health Service sites have capacity to flex up and down to meet demand.” Dr Heble said statistics alone did not tell the whole story, despite concerns from health workers about the strain on Capes hospitals. “We have an expert team that closely monitor and analyse mental health-related presentations at our emergency departments,” he said. “These experts complete high-level statistical control work to identify if presentations are within normal variations. “Their work considers important factors above and beyond just numbers, such as patient acuity, and is recognised as best practice for identifying variations that are cause for concern.” Figures provided from January to May for the past two years confirmed the trend, while Dr Heble said analysis from those sites in the three years up to 2022 showed “presentations have fluctuated by 9 per cent, something we also consider within normal variation levels”. Population growth was considered a key factor in the trend, frontline workers said, yet Mindful Margaret River project officer Erin Statz said there were increasing calls from residents for preventative help. “There is an interest by parents and the schooling community in general from Cowaramup to Augusta to do more safeTALKs, mental health first-aid training, and workshops that give parents and carers the tools to support the youth in their lives,” she said. “They want this from trusted sources, evidence-based programs and in a safe environment that enables conversations.” WA Association of Mental Health chief executive Taryn Harvey said State Government investment had focused on acute mental health services. WAAMH received “consistent feedback” that existing resources and the reach of regional programs were of greatest concern. “WAAMH has long advocated for increased relative investment in prevention and community-based mental health supports,” Ms Harvey said. “By diverting people away from acute services like hospitals towards localised recovery-focused community supports, we can take pressure off these services and create a better environment for those who need to use those services and for those trying to provide them.” Dr Heble said the hospital system was only part of the health system’s response to those experiencing distress. “We urge people to seek help early if they’re having trouble managing their mental health,” he said. Lifeline: 13 11 14 RuralLink: 1800 552 002 (after hours) Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636