A panel of mental health experts, led by NSW Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright, will visit the North Coast next week to seek feedback from community members who have had contact with acute mental health services in NSW hospitals.

Dr Wright said the consultations in Lismore and Coffs Harbour are part of a state- wide review of seclusion, restraint and observation practices at mental health units, ordered by the NSW Government.

“People living on the North Coast who want to have their say on this important topic will have a chance to share their views and experiences directly to the expert panel who are examining the practice of seclusion across NSW,” Dr Wright said.

Lismore’s consultation will be held at the Lismore City Hall on Tuesday, September 12 at 5pm.

Coffs Harbour’s consultation will be held the next night, Wednesday September 13, in the Coffs Harbour Novotel at 5pm.

They are the 7th and 8th consultations of 10 being conducted across the state. “When Mental Health Minister Tanya Davies established the review to reduce the practice of seclusion and restraint in mental health services across NSW, she made it

clear community consultation would play a key role,” Dr Wright said.

The review will examine multiple aspects of seclusion, restraint and observation practices including; legislation, policy, clinical governance and practice standards within mental health facilities.

The findings and recommendations from the independent review will be presented to the NSW Government later this year.

“The review team will also conduct site visits at NSW Health facilities across the state and meet with frontline staff to ensure their voices and experience are heard,” Dr Wright said.

If you cannot attend the consultation, written submissions can be lodged by mail or online until September 24, 2017.

For further information or to register please visit NSW Health or email MHSeclusionReview@moh.health.nsw.gov.au