Abstract
Author(s)
Hannah Albanese¹, Camilo Guaqueta², Prof Nicholas Proctor³, Lisa Wilton
Affiliations
(1) Office of the Chief Psychiatrist (OCP), Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN), (2) OCP, Preventative Health SA, (3) University of SA, (4) OCP, CALHN
Introduction
The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist (OCP) Physical Health Standard establishes a comprehensive, integrated approach to physical healthcare for individuals experiencing mental health conditions. Grounded in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) consensus statement and the national Equally Well framework, the Standard promotes equitable access, collaborative care, and improved well-being for people with lived and living experience of mental health conditions.
Discussion
People with mental health conditions face significantly poorer physical health outcomes and reduced life expectancy, exacerbated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They experience higher rates of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and other chronic diseases, contributing to a disproportionate burden of preventable mortality. This health inequality underscores the urgent need for a rights-based, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented approach that is person-centred and strengths-based.
The Standard guides mental health services (MHS) and Local Health Networks (LHNs) in leading and delivering holistic care that honours individual rights, needs, and goals. It encourages partnerships among consumers, carers, health leaders, and providers, empowering self-management alongside general practice and primary health networks. Recognising that MHS operate within broader health systems, the Standard fosters regional integration and coordinated care across sectors.
Implementation applies to all mental health facilities and providers under the SA Mental Health Act 2009, including inpatient, community, emergency, and outpatient settings. Developed through extensive consultation with LHNs, the Equally Well working group, lived experience representatives, general practice, and Primary Health Networks, the Standard embodies a human rights-based, collaborative vision to close the physical health gap and enhance overall health equity for people with mental illness.