Te Whatu Ora Bay of Plenty spent $65.7 million on mental health services in 10 months

Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty spent $65.7 million on mental health services in the first 10 months of 2022, but mental health professionals struggled to find a balance between available services and community needs. said that there is still a “huge gap” in

According to information provided by the county, Bay of Plenty Times Under the Public Information Act, adult community services, drug addiction services, and salaries for secondary services borne the highest costs.

In the fiscal year ending June 2021, the school district spent $77.279 million on mental health services. Expenses for the previous fiscal year were $71,828,000.

Of the $65.7 million spent in the year to October, $33.9 million was spent on secondary service salaries and wages and $1.76 million was spent on facilities and infrastructure.

But Shawn Robinson, CEO of the Mental Health Foundation, said there is a “huge gap” between the scale of demand for mental health support and the response provided.

“I haven’t seen an approach that recognizes the scale of this problem,” Robinson said.

“There are so many people in need of help that it is difficult to influence them.”

Robinson described the government’s approach to mental health service delivery as “all very piecemeal”, “haphazard” and lacking coordination.

“Governments need to take responsibility for delivering on their promises,” Robinson said.

“But all parties need to up their game. Mental health will be an election issue in 2023.”

Robinson acknowledged that there are many services “working” to improve mental health outcomes for New Zealanders, but these services “didn’t have much to do with the government”. said.

Debbie Brown, Senior Advisor for Governance and Quality at Te Fatu Ola Bay of Plenty, said the aspects of community mental health services with the highest financial costs are drug addiction, children and youth, and community housing. He said the order was beds, services, and home support.

“Salaries and wages are the biggest spenders among provider arm services within Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty,” Mr Brown said. Bay of Plenty Times.

A table provided by Brown estimates that between January 1 and October 31, adult mental health services cost $10.1 million and “secondary services” costs $39.4 million.

Bronwyn Anstis, chief operating officer of Te Whatu Ora Bay of Plenty, said secondary services include acute adult inpatient mental health units in Whakatane and Tauranga, addiction services, geriatric mental health services and outpatient community services. said to include

“Demand has fluctuated wildly across the Bay of Plenty and across the country in different regions. [mental health] system and throughout the year,” said Anstis.

“With anecdotal feedback suggesting that these fluctuations are related to demographic changes, the psychological impact of Covid-19, financial pressures, and changes in the general psychosocial environment, this includes multiple There may be factors of

“In some cases, this could also be related to labor availability.”

According to Anstis, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand is focused on ensuring people get personalized help when and where they need it.

“This includes helping people get help early and preventing them from reaching the point where they need professional help.

“We have a broad program of work underway to address the pressure on mental health and addiction services.”

Anstis said major milestones achieved in 2022 include the launch of Te Ahi Mauri, a new service for people affected by methamphetamine in Murupara and surrounding areas. .

“[We’ve also rolled out] Integrated primary mental health and addiction services in 29 clinics across the Bay of Plenty, including Tauranga and Whakatane. “

Anstis said in 2023 the district will focus on developing more flexible and mobile services, implementing the child mental health support service Mana Ake, and streamlining the referral process for those seeking support.

“It’s important to note that a change of this magnitude will take time, but we already have new and enhanced services in all regions of New Zealand,” said Anstis.

“We know this investment helps thousands of New Zealanders every month.”

Anstis said the district will continue to roll out services to address methamphetamine hazards in the new year.

Possible Solutions to Improve Mental Health

Dr Ruth Cunningham, senior fellow at the University of Otago School of Public Health, said access to professional services has remained stagnant over the past five years despite increased investment in support.

“There is no doubt that the system and its services are under considerable pressure, and many are wondering if the same will solve their problems.”

In a series of blog posts focused on finding public health solutions, Cunningham writes about how mental health services alone cannot solve the mental health crisis.

Cunningham said that while mental health and addiction services need to be improved and transformed, providing more services will reduce the population’s mental health needs and levels of emotional distress. I said no.

“The need for mental health continues to grow in New Zealand, as elsewhere, but simple policy interventions can both prevent mental illness and promote mental health among those already experiencing mental illness. can reduce this need.”

The four interventions proposed by Cunningham were higher benefit levels, increased physical activity, reform of drug and alcohol laws, and support for employment of people with mental illness.

“[These interventions] Reducing the need for mental health or supporting recovery can reduce demand for services,” Cunningham said.

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For more information and support, contact your local doctor, Hau’ola, community mental health team, or counseling services. The Mental Health Foundation website has more helplines and service contacts.