New mental health service in Yorke and Northern

Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis MP has welcomed the opening of a new mental health care service for the Yorke and Northern Health Network. 

"I am very pleased the Mental Health Alternative Care Services (MHACS) has opened in Port Pirie, offering a safe alternative to attending emergency departments for people aged over 16 experiencing a mental health crisis", Mr Ellis said.

"This is a walk-in service not requiring a referral, that is open Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30pm, or patients can elect to phone ahead on 0403 816 239 if they wish.

"The clinic is located in Alexander Street in Port Pirie within the Port Pirie Regional Health Service campus, in the former Community Health building and is staffed by mental health clinicians and mental health and peer support workers who can link consumers with GPs, hospitals and community services, and also provide access to follow up and aftercare planning.

"The service is available to all within the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network which comprises Port Pirie and surrounding Mid North towns, and the entire Copper Coast and Yorke Peninsula and I commend the health network on its implementation", Mr Ellis said.

"I am advised the MHACS model is a trial for the region and depending on its success, an expansion of more services may follow.

"This is a very welcome initiative as I am aware that so many across the Narungga electorate have been crying out for more mental health services and have been very distressed by the long wait times they are experiencing. 

"It is hoped that the new service is very well received and valued by local communities across the electorate and that more Mental Health Alternative Care Service clinics consequently follow", Mr Ellis said.