The Mental Health Nurse Service, run by the Illawarra Division of general Practice provides two year care management and treatment for clients with chronic mental health conditions and complex needs who are not acute but may be at risk of hospitalisation. This is a free service funded under the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP).

Service

This service provides:

• A periodic review of the client’s mental state.
• Medication monitoring and management.
• Provision of information about physical healthcare to clients.
• Improving links to other health professionals including arranging access to interventions from psychiatrists and allied health professional. Treatment can occur simultaneously with Psychologists at the IDGP Clinical Psychological Service under item 2710.
• Close liaison with family and carers as appropriate.
• Provision of client services in a range of settings, such as in clinics or client’s homes.

Referral Criteria

Referrals are accepted from GP’s who complete a Mental Health Care Plan (item 2710) The client must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the service:

• Diagnosis of severe mental illness for at least 6 months.
• The disorder causes significant disablement to the client’s social, personal and occupational functioning.
• Has experienced at least one episode of hospitalisation for treatment of their mental illness or is at risk of requiring hospitalisation.
• Expected to require continuing treatment and management of their mental illness over the next two years.
• Client consents to treatment from a mental health nurse.

This service does not have the capacity to respond to acute mental health crisis situations. These patients should be referred directly to the Emergency Department and SESIAHS Mental Health Services Emergency (24 hours) call 1300 552 289. For further information contact the service on 4220 7600

Forms

•  Referral to IDGP Mental Health Nurse Service 

If you are in distress and need immediate assistance please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14