Mental health shambles

It was great to see in yesterday's Newcastle Herald a story about way that Hunter Health is neglecting the needs of people with mental health issues in our area.

I highlighted the problem several weeks ago (See my media release posted here in mid January) and it seems the only reason Hunter Health has cut the service is that it is getting squeezed by Sydney.

The Newcastle Herald has followed up with an excellent editorial today.

The State Government needs to significantly increase funding for mental health services; improve and integrate hospital and community-based mental health services; and, bring back the mental health crisis teams.