Emergency Departments

In reply to Mr TRELOAR (Flinders) (3 August 2016). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS (Taylor—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse): I am advised:

The longest time that a mental health patient spent in an emergency department in 2016 was 106.95 hours.

I am advised, the consumer was safely managed on clinical advice by psychiatric nurses and doctors. The clinical team constantly risk assessed and evaluated the needs of MH patients requiring inpatient care.

I have made a clear expectation that no mental health patient should wait more than 24 hours for an emergency department bed.

Emergency department average wait times have halved since late 2014 and latest data show even further improvement.