Mental Health Clinics

⁠⁠⁠Primary Health Networks (PHNs) were established with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

The South Eastern Melbourne PHN catchment encompasses an area comprising 1.4 million people and stretches from St Kilda to Sorrento and as far east as Bunyip, including the major population hubs of Monash, Dandenong, Moorabbin, Caulfield, Cranbourne, Frankston and Pakenham.

From 1 July, 2016 PHNs adopted a commissioning approach to procuring medical and health care services which is based on an assessment of the health and wellbeing needs of the community. This work determines the priority areas and guides the scope of the commissioning process.

SEMPHN is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from accredited general practices to provide a COVID 19 Mental Health Clinic service for a period of 12 months.

The Australian Government has funded Primary Health Networks in Victoria to establish 15 new mental health clinics as part of its response to Victorians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The response aims to ensure that Victorians, of any age, who are experiencing distress or mental ill health, their families or support networks can urgently access mental health care. The clinics are part of the response to the surge in demand for mental health services resulting from the Covid-19 public health measures in Victoria. Three of the 15 clinics will be in South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network’s region and are expected to be operational by 14 September 2020 with funding for 12 months.

Based on analysis of the regional profile and other data, South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) has determined the catchment areas for the three clinics which will be in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of City of Casey, Cardinia Shire and the combined areas of Mornington Peninsula Shire and the Frankston City Council.

Each clinic will receive 12 months funding up to $1 000 000.00 depending on evidenced local need and service uptake. Funding will be utilised for the establishment and operation of the clinic.

The Victorian PHN Alliance is jointly developing a service delivery model for the clinics which will be shared with providers when finalised. The model will be based upon consumer-centred principles. Patients will be referred to the Mental Health Clinic via the intake service or self-present (walk-in). The intake service will utilise an initial assessment and referral decision support tool to connect people with the appropriate level of care within a stepped care framework. Consumers needing moderate to high intensity services will be transferred to the mental health clinic in their region. For consumers self-presenting (walk-in) at the mental health clinic, clinic staff will use the initial assessment and referral tool to inform the level of care a consumer should be matched to, staff will then support a ‘warm’ transfer to the service.

The Service

• Establish a mental health clinic with a multidisciplinary team of experienced mental health workers,
• Be culturally appropriate and safe,
• Delivery of timely assessment, care and care co-ordination,
• Deliver evidence-based mental health interventions and service navigation,
• Provide support to General Practitioners with management of patients with Mental Health needs,
• Provide General Practitioner (GP) services to patients without a regular GP,
• Establish partnerships (including co-location) with General Practices, health services and key community organisations,
• Delivery of COVID safe face-to-face services and telehealth (video and telephone) services, outreach services as required; and,
• Provide a comprehensive, safety and quality framework for clients and staff of the clinic/s.

Applications will only be accepted by lodgment via eProcure, SEMPHN’s online tender portal.

Successful practices will be contracted from 14 September 2020 to 15 October 2021. Services will be delivered from 14 September 2020 through to 14 September 2021. A final report will be required by 15 October 2021.