In planning mental health services we aim to:
Some of the things we consider in mental health service planning are:
In planning mental health services we use existing NSW Health service planning processes, planning models, demographics and expert local knowledge to make decisions.
A specialised mental health service planning tool used is the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework NMHSPF) . This tool:
A key document we consider when planning services included the NSW Strategic Framework and Workforce Plan for Mental Health 2018-2022, which provides the overarching framework for NSW Health action in mental health over the next five years.
The Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan(the Fifth Plan) and the supporting Implementation Plan was endorsed in 2017 by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council members.
The plan builds on the foundation established by previous national mental health plans and reform efforts. It describes a cross-jurisdictional framework for implementing national action over the next five years with targeted action across eight priority areas.
The development of joint regional mental health and suicide prevention plans is one action under the Fifth Plan (Action 1.2). Local Health Districts (LHDs) and Speciality Networks (SNs) are encouraged to partner with their local PHN (Primary Health Network) to develop an integrated regional plan. The Joint Regional Planning for Integrated Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services: A Guide for LHDs and PHNs (The Guide) is now available to assist planning.
An accompanying document to the Guide has also been developed and includes specific resources for NSW. The Compendium of Resources provides details on available data, jurisdictional priorities.
In developing and negotiating a joint regional plan it is recommended LHDs and PHNs use the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework (NMHSPF) to identify current population needs, service targets and gaps.
The NSW Service Plan for People with Eating Disorders 2021-2025 provides:
The Plan will drive service improvement and innovation through inclusion, excellence and collaboration and aims to embed eating disorders service provision as core business for Local Health Districts and Specialty Health Networks.
Older People's Mental Health (OPMH) services are guided by the NSW Service Plan for Older People’s Mental Health Services 2017-2027. The plan outlines the purpose, scope, target group and key elements of OPMH services, the context in which they operate and current developments in the service environment. It identifies evidence-based service models and key strategic priorities for the development, delivery and improvement of OPMH services.
The NSW Health Performance Framework is one of the ways we monitor safety and quality of service delivery once a service is operating.
A key part of this performance framework is service agreements between the Ministry of Health, local health districts and specialty health networks. Service Agreements contain key performance indicators and improvement measures, including some specific to mental health.
Regular performance meetings are held between the Ministry and local health districts and specialty health networks to discuss their performance.
NALAG is a community managed organisation that provides supports to people impacted by bereavement, loss, grief and adverse events.
The NSW Ministry of Health commissioned the Centre for Health Service Development (CHSD) at the University of Wollongong to evaluate NALAG over 2022-2024. The evaluation ran for 9 months from July 2023 to March 2024.
The evaluation found that NALAG has a positive impact on clients and volunteers:
