Abstract

Author(s)

Sarah Skinner, Andrea Baas

Affiliations

Southern Adelaide Local Health Network

Introduction

SALHN MH Division provides specialist MH services to people living in the southern suburbs of Adelaide in hospital and community settings. We have been involved in implementing Equally Well since 2021 with a refresh of approach in 2024.

This presentation will describe the Equally Well project in SALHN including the processes undertaken including member workshops, the alignment with accreditation standards, the establishment of steering committee and subsequent working group. The development of the divisional Action Plan, the localised area implementation plans and team-based quality improvements. The development of the quality themes planner against the key risk areas for early mortality within the cohort, utilisation of evidence-based practice to support staff and consumer education relating to the theme. A recent review of current progress, successes, challenges and next steps will be presented.

Discussion

Embedding Equally Well within a MH division is an ongoing, iterative process, embedding it within a governance structure has provided structure for the project with implementation improvements and staff education occurring with a physical health focus has allowed for an ongoing and progressive focus upon EW within the division.

SALHN MH division continues its commitment to delivery of improved physical health interventions to consumers using the Equally Well Action Plan.