On Monday 15 December 2008 the Public Service Association met with Mr Derek Wright (Director of Operations) and Mr Mark Diamond (Executive Director Strategy Implementation), for Mental Health Directorate in SA Health.

PSA Industrial Officer Sue Cummins attended the above meeting with Worksite Representatives from:

SOUTHERN ADELAIDE HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
Carolyn Biggs, from Noarlunga Mental Health Emergency Mental Health Service (NEMHS).

CENTRAL NORTHERN ADELAIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
Northern Region - Peter O'Connell, from Northern Assertive Crisis Intervention Service (NACIS).
Eastern Region - Annette Coxon, from Eastern ACIS.
Western Region - Sue Morrison, Transfer of Care Coordinator, Port Adelaide

Matters discussed included questions from PSA Members about the draft Model of Care for Community Mental Health and the recent release of the approved Mental Health Catchments and proposed Community Mental Health Services (CMHS) Suburban Locations document.  Outcomes from the discussions were:

A Business Case is being developed for ongoing resources to operate the six (6) new CMHS, which will include documentation outlining the operational definitions (eg geographical change, which may include change of location, etc.).

Further documentation in relation to the CMHS will be out for consultation with staff and unions around March 2009.  Mr Mark Diamond made a commitment to come out and meet with members February/ March 2008 to discuss the operational definitions arising from the Draft model of Care.

The PSA understands that discussions have been happening with the two regions in relation to a new proposed management structure and the proposed structure should be ready to be released for consultation in February 2009.

To manage any change processes and transition into any new structures, the PSA is keen to commence discussions in the development of any Human Resource Principles in early 2009.

A draft Statewide Bed Plan has been developed and now being discussed with the CE, of SA Health.  Once approved the plan will be released for discussion in early 2009.

The PSA raised concerns with Mr Derek Wright about the regular joint union meetings having been canceled since October 2008 and it was agreed these would recommence in the new year.

Since this meeting the SA Government's mini budget has been released and the PSA is concerned about the announcement of the two (2) year delay in the completion date for the building of the new hospital at Glenside Campus, which is part of the Capital Works Program.    The PSA is concerned that any delay in the commencement of the building of the 6 new CMHS offices will affect the Mental Health Reform.  PSA will advised members once more information becomes available.

If you have any queries or wish to raise any concerns please contact PSA Worksite Representatives listed above via email or Industrial Officer Sue Cummins on email sc@cpsu.asn.au or phone 8205 3260.