Implementation has begun of the Federal Government’s $58.5 million Flexible Care Packages that will provide clinical and case coordination services for people with severe mental illness, to be delivered through Medicare Locals.

 

Clinical services include psychological therapy provided by psychologists and social workers, who will be encouraged to link patients to other services in the community for people with severe illness.

 

The program was developed following community consultations which showed strong support for the implementation of the Flexible Care Packages, including from GPs who are central to supporting and finding referral pathways to other services for their patients with severe mental illness.

 

The Flexible Care Packages will be rolled out in a staged approach to coincide with the establishment of the first 15 Medicare Locals. Until 1 July, clinical governance, service delivery and quality assurance issues will be determined in consultation with relevant stakeholders. From 1 July, the 15 first Medicare Locals will become eligible for funding to provide additional services to consumers through Flexible Care Packages.

 

More information is at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/mental-boimhc-ataps-cons