As we come to the end of 2021, we reflect back and think of all that has been achieved by the team at the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre.
This year we will have seen over 2000 guests at the UMHCC with approximately 35% being referred by either Police or SA Ambulance. We have also supported more than 500 people with information, assistance and referral over the phone.
Following their stay at the UMHCC:
- 89% of guests are returning home and the majority of these are being supported by loved ones.
- 7% are presenting to hospital (2% of these are involuntary). The number of guests voluntarily presenting to hospital after a stay at the UMHCC is continuously reducing.
- The remaining 4% are returning to other accommodation including homelessness.
We continue to receive feedback from guests and their families, showing the value of the work being done and where we can make improvements.
“It was so good to have a chat about what I’ve been dealing with and have some time to relax. Everyone was so supportive and caring.”
“Being able sit in quietness and gather my thoughts”
“The peer workers without a doubt … They let me vent to them, cry to them, and just listened to me. I felt so heard and validated …”
“A parent contacted and said that they thought they would lose their son to suicide in the next few days and now there was a sense of hope”
In addition to the feedback from guests, we have reached accreditation in the National Safety and Quality Health Standards and become an Authorised Community Mental Health Facility.
During this year we have continued to build positive relationships with our partner organisations, and want to acknowledge the support of SA Ambulance, SA Police and the office of the Chief Psychiatrist.
As we move into the holiday season, we want to remind you all the we will remain open and continue to support guests each day across this period.
We are looking forward to the year ahead, and moving to a 24 hour service from the 31st of January, 2022.
Dr John Brayley on the role of the UMHCC
“We would like people to choose to UMHCC for early intervention where possible. The UMHCC has given a clear message that the emergency department is not the only place that can deliver this type of care.”
– Dr John Brayley, Chief Psychiatrist of South Australia.