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People’s right to have medical and other health and disability needs recognised and responded to by mental health services – data and insights from complaints to the MHCC

Other resource Lynne Coulson Barr

Abstract

Author(s):

Lynne Coulson Barr

Affiliations:

Mental Health Complaints Commission

The principles of Victoria’s Mental Health Act 2014 require mental health services to recognise and to respond to people’s medical and other health needs, as well as other individual needs including disability supports and alcohol and other drug issues. Complaints to the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner over its first four years of operation have identified concerning examples of people’s physical and disability needs not being met by mental health services. This presentation will discuss the ways in which complaints can identify key areas for attention and service improvement and highlight service’s obligations under the Act and the Victorian Charter for Human Rights and Responsibilities 2006.