In 2022 the Chief Psychiatrist commenced a review of the assessment, treatment, management and follow up plans of children and youth presenting to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Emergency Department for mental health presentation – from cases notified to the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist through critical incident reports, significant complaints, or raised by parents.
The resultant report of the investigation was finalised in September 2022 and provided to the Women’s and Children’s Health Network for their consideration. The Women’s and Children’s Health Network had already undertaken work that will support the implementation of these recommendations including exploring an integrated model of care for the emergency department and developing a mobile response. Further actions by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network working with the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist will occur to plan further implementation.