A formal Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the South East Regional Health Service
and Aged Mental Health Care Services, Country Liaison Service for provision of services.

A monthly visiting consultation / liaison service is provided by a Community Mental Health Nurse from Aged Mental Health Care Services, Country Liaison Service.

A Consultant Psychiatrist accompanies the Nurse on every third monthly visit.

Referrals are received via the A.C.A.T, based in Mt.Gambier and Naracoorte, with a close working relationship being developed with the aged care service provider network.

Clients are seen in their usual place of residence, be it their own home or a residential care facility.

This service is provided across the entire South East region.

The visiting consultation/liaison service mentioned above consists of an initial assessment, discussion of this assessment with a Consultant Psychiatrist, conveying recommendations back to the clients General Practitioner and assisting service providers with formulating a management plan. Assistance with pre-admission planning and subsequent discharge planning is also offered, should a stay in a specialist inpatient unit [Ward 18, Repatriation General Hospital] be required.

The contribution of locally based generic Community Health Staff [Occupational Therapists, Social Workers etc.] is relied upon to supplement the specialist input of Aged Mental Health Care Services staff.

Regular access to a Consultant Psychiatrist and other members of Aged Mental Health Care Services staff via videoconferencing is offered to supplement the visiting services.

To make a referral contact:

1. Mr. Stephen Merrett - Telephone 83031307
2. The ACAT in Naracoorte - Telephone 87628160
3. The ACAT in Mt. Gambier - Telephone 87211460