Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I had the pleasure of facilitating the annual Dean's Forum at the University of Sydney for the Dean of Health Sciences, Kathryn Refshauge. This important gathering brings together people from the health profession, academia, government and user groups to consider the major challenges specifically facing the allied health system. What I took out of the event was that we must move to a more patient-centric approach to health.

That is exactly what I did last week when Hawkesbury residents joined me to start identifying key gaps in the mental health services available in the region. Our group included people who have accessed mental health services for themselves or family members or who, through their work, interact with people who need mental health support. I want to particularly acknowledge Simon Griffin. Simon has a real commitment to seeing improved access to services across the Hawkesbury.

The detailed discussion provided valuable insights into the service gaps in the region from the crisis point through to recovery and day-to-day support to ensure people stay well. At the top of the list was access to services, which tend to be based in Penrith. Penrith might only be 20 kilometres from Richmond, but it can be a two-to-three-hour trip by public transport and it is a lot longer from places like Bowen Mountain, Bilpin and Colo Heights. There is not a single fix but I look forward to taking the next step of the process with service providers and health professionals.