Statewide Mental Health Services update

Some changes are being made to Tasmania’s mental heath services. 

Dale Webster
Deputy Secretary, Community, Mental Health and Wellbeing

The increased number of COVID-19 cases in Tasmania is continuing to present challenges for Statewide Mental Health Services, with impacts on staffing due to community transmission of the virus.

As a result, SMHS has moved to COVID Escalation Level 3 for SMHS Community teams and community residential services. SMHS in-hospital services at the Royal Hobart Hospital and Launceston General Hospital are already operating at COVID Escalation Level 3, as part of the hospital escalation process.

This change in escalation level will ensure the continued delivery of high-quality care to our clients, while appropriately responding to the current COVID situation.

The decision has been made in order to protect clients, staff and the community by reducing the risk of further transmission of COVID-19.

From 6 April 2022, the following changes have commenced implementation statewide across all SMHS community teams and community-based residential services:

• Where clinically appropriate, client contact will be undertaken via telephone or video conferencing,

• Where face-to-face contact is necessary, a heightened use of personal protective equipment will be in place.

The changes will be in place for the following services:

• Alcohol and Drug Service,

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services,

• Older Persons Mental Health Service,

• Forensic Mental Health Services,

• Community Residential Services.

Our priority is to continue to provide a high standard of care to all of our clients during this time.

I encourage anyone with concerns or issues about the changes to discuss them with the individual services in the first instance.

SMHS will continue to monitor the COVID situation and its impact on services and will continue to work hard to minimise disruption.

I want to reassure the public that clients requiring clinical intervention will continue to receive service.

Assistance is available 24/7 by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, A Tasmanian Lifeline for psychosocial support from 8am-8pm seven days a week on 1800 984 434, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Importantly, if anyone is in immediate danger, they should call triple zero immediately.