The Urgent Mental Health Care Centre is providing a important option to attending a hospital emergency department for people experiencing suicidal distress in Adelaide. People can walk-in at anytime without referral, or can be referred by first responders and health and community services. People can receive intensive supports for up to 24 hours from a combined clinical and lived experience workforce, with most staying between four and five hours. This first-of-its-kind service has been operating since March 2021 and as a 24 hour service since mid 2022, providing more than 10,00 episodes of support. Respectful, compassionate care is prioritised in a low stimulus, calm environment.
This presentation will share data from the most recent year of service operation, demonstrating how community members and the local sector are utilising the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre. This will include demographics of people using supports, their level of need, and pathways into the service. Deidentified feedback on people’s experience of the service will highlight what people are valuing and finding challenging about the service. These findings will show the service as a welcome alternative to the emergency department and a valued part of a reforming mental health sector in South Australia.