A new program for people presenting to hospital with mental health concerns is proving ‘gold’ for communities in South Western Sydney.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies, today, launched the Gold Card Clinics, a targeted program to better identify and treat people with personality disorders.

“About 25 per cent of mental health admissions to inpatient units and emergency departments are people with personality disorders,” Mrs Davies said.

“This innovative program provides practical, evidence-based, therapeutic techniques for people coming to hospital in psychological distress. It also ensures the right acute or longer term care is received quicker.”

As part of the clinic process a Gold Card is issued to the person in the ED, so specially trained mental health teams can work to prevent further distress for the individual and their carer.

Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons, attended the launch at Liverpool Hospital’s Mental Health Centre, said the clinic represents a big step forward in addressing the needs of the local community.

“The NSW Government is continuing to put people, not process, at the heart of the mental health care system,” Ms Gibbons said.

“We are committed to making sure every single person with a mental illness in Sydney’s south west can live a fulfilling life within the community.”

South Western Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Director, Dr Claire Jones, said personality disorders are characterised by extreme and inflexible personality traits and affect most areas of the person’s life.

“More than 400 of our mental health and drug health staff have recently been trained in the specific treatment of personality disorders, which shows our commitment to this program,” Dr Jones said.

The Gold Card Clinics are part of the Project Air Strategy, coordinated by the University of Wollongong in collaboration with Local Health Districts. The clinics are also now available in Bowral, Campbelltown, Liverpool/Fairfield and Bankstown.

For more information, treatment or support please contact your local health service.