URGENT
From: Mr Paul Mckillop
Convenor
NNAAMI

To: Dr Peter Archer Director Emergency Dept
Maroondah Hospital

Dear Dr Archer,

I have made public statements in support of you this am on 774 ABC Radio. I feel it is important that your concerns as articulated on radio by John Faine this am are appropriately addressed by government.

I heard Minister Bronwyn Pike's reply on radio and I remain concerned that the governments statements translate to an actual increas in psychiatric beds across the state to begin to alleviate the burden on people who experience mental health conditions, their families and emergency departments of public hospitals.

Emergency Departments of Public Hospitals I believe is often and inappropriate place to treat people with mental health conditions unless they present for emergency medical treatment relating to physical health issues. I'm sure you are aware it can take some time to appropriately assess, monitor and medicate / treatpeople with serious metnal illness even while admited in psychiatric inpatient units. The mental health system seems to be under greater pressure than ever before right across the system in Victoria. I have left a message for you to contact me on ..........

Congratulations on Speaking up and drawing these serious issues to the attention of the Minister for Health. I await with interest to hear the outcome of the governments decissions. I would be pleased if you would keep me informed.

Paul Mckillop

NNAAMI would like to know the actual numbers of people with mental illness waiting on emergency departments trolleys in each hospital in the state. Ms Bronwyn Pike Minister for Health Victoria., as yet has not provided NNAAMI with a copy of her statement on ABC Radio.

NNAAMI looks forward to the governments appropriate increase of beds at Psychiatric Inpatient Units across Victoria proportionate to need, so there are no unnecessary waiting times to access beds in psychiatric inpatient units.