Metro North Health welcomes recommendations of Health Service Investigation
MEDIA RELEASE
Metro North Health has received the independent Health Service Investigation report into the mental health adult inpatient unit at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH).
The investigation, which was announced in April 2024, was commissioned by the Health Service Chief Executive to look at possible improvements to the unit to ensure greater robust care measures to protect vulnerable inpatients in times of crisis.
The investigators noted the investigation followed tragic events and acknowledge the significant loss for families, carers, support people, and the wider community.
Twenty-two recommendations in the report identify key themes that would reasonably impact service delivery, patient care, and staff wellbeing. These include models of care, capacity and demand, governance and structure, workforce, and infrastructure and environment.
Notably, the investigators found that recent previous reviews were appropriately conducted, and actions taken to implement 12 existing recommendations and other improvement initiatives should continue at an accelerated rate.
Metro North Chief Operating Officer Jane Hancock said work is already underway for the majority of recommendations.
“We welcome these recommendations as a confirmation that our plans and work underway are on the right track,” she said.
“We have taken immediate action where we can and we’re working through longer term solutions. Review of acute care pathways is well progressed and will be supported by the new Crisis Stabilisation Facility opening at TPCH on 16 September.”
The $14M TPCH Crisis Stabilisation Facility is a co-designed facility providing 6 short-stay beds for up to 72 hours and an additional 6 lounge areas which provide support for up to 23 hours. It will boost acute mental health services and specialist staff at TPCH.
“In line with the recommendations, Metro North Mental Health has appointed a new Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health, and will soon recruit for a new Director of Therapies. We have also boosted mental health staff across TPCH campus to provide greater support for patients requiring urgent care,” Ms Hancock said.
“The investigators have provided a comprehensive overview of the service and we thank them for their time and commitment. Mental health demand has outstripped population growth, particularly since the pandemic, and our mental health clinicians are providing the best care they can within this context.
“In addition to acknowledging this demand, the investigation also noted the leadership and staff of the service are strongly motivated to response to this increased community need.
“We are grateful to the families, carers and staff who shared their experiences with the investigators to inform the findings.”