Abstract

Author(s):

Rod McKay

2019 marks a decade since NSW released its first policy and guidelines regarding the physical health care of mental health consumers. As chair of the Expert Working Group that guided their development it also marks a decade of local and statewide activities by the author to improve such care: and other activities that promote good physical health care.

The breadth and nature of these activities reflects the broader approach to improving mental health services for older people in NSW, with state direction and facilitation encouraging local action. They also reflect the evolving recovery orientation of services, and increasing number of partners that entails. The presentation will provide reflections on lessons from activities over this time including development of guidelines, self audit tools, benchmarking and models of care.

Some lessons have been that whilst local ownership is important for ‘on the ground change’, this is difficult without connection to policy and broader networks supporting change. Another has been that partnerships enhance options for improving physical health: but the depth and orientation of local partnerships will, and probably should, determine local application.

NSW is currently applying these lessons in commencing a statewide project to improve physical healthcare of consumers of older persons mental health services. The presentation will conclude with a description of the methodology, partners and progress to date.