New psychiatry support line available for GPs
Western NSW Primary Health Network has joined with five other PHNs in NSW to fund ProCare Mental Health Services to provide a new psychiatry support line for GPs.
Starting this week GPs in the WNSW PHN region will be able to talk to a psychiatrist on the phone or via secure messaging to help them with the management of the mental health care of their patients.
Andrew Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of the WNSW PHN said this service was the first of its kind in the state.
“There are currently no psychiatry advice services for GPs in NSW and many had expressed a need to have timely access to psychiatry expertise to assist them with the care of their patients,” Mr Harvey said.
“This support line will allow consumers whose conditions are able to be treated within primary care to remain under the care of their GP. This service is not about referring patients to a psychiatrist.”
Western NSW PHN joined with Central and Eastern Sydney PHN, Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN, Murrumbidgee PHN, Northern Sydney PHN and South Eastern NSW PHN to fund the service.
ProCare Mental Health Services was selected to provide the service after a competitive tender process.
“ProCare has proven success in providing a range of high-quality mental health services,” Mr Harvey said.
The service is free and available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Registration for the service is available through www.gpsupport .org.au or by calling 1800 161 718.