More young Tasmanians struggling with their mental health will be able to receive hospital-level care at home, under a $20 million expansion announced over the weekend.
The state government will extend its Youth Mental Health Hospital in the Home service from the north-west into northern Tasmania, with the funding to be included in the next state budget.
The service supports people aged 16 to 24 with acute mental health needs, offering short-term, intensive treatment at home as an alternative to hospital admission where clinically appropriate.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said about 166 young people had been treated through the north-west pilot over the past two years.
“This expansion to the north means more young people in northern Tasmania will be able to access high-quality mental health care closer to home,” Rockliff said.
He said the program eased pressure on emergency departments and helped young people stay close to their families.
“Hospital in the Home is an important part of our broader mental health system, providing appropriate care while helping young people stay connected to their families and community,” he said.
Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Bridget Archer said home-based care could deliver better clinical outcomes than an inpatient ward.
“Youth Mental Health Hospital in the Home provides intensive treatment in a familiar environment, which can support recovery and reduce the need for inpatient admission,” Archer said.
“We’ve seen the value of this work in the north-west and expanding this service to the north will strengthen access to care and support for more young Tasmanians at a critical time in their lives.”
Care will be delivered by teams of nurses, allied health workers, doctors and psychiatrists, working alongside families, carers, schools and community services.
Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Deputy Secretary Jen Duncan said referrals were triaged on clinical need before a home assessment and treatment plan were developed.
Duncan said detailed planning on patient numbers and workforce was still under way.
Archer flagged the May budget would be “a tough one” but said frontline services remained the priority.
The expanded service is expected to be running next year.
