By Kath Gannaway
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges has been identified as one of a number of areas in the state where mental illness is now either the leading or second contributor to the burden of disease.
The information comes from a study by the Department of Human Services reporting on the 50 most common diseases and injuries in Victoria and their prevalence in the 78 local government areas (LGAs).
The study measures the size of the ‘burden of disease’ for each LGA in years of healthy life lost due to premature death, disease and injury.
Health Minister Bronwyn Pike released the snapshot which shows that while cancer is still the leading cause of death and illness, investment in cancer treatment, facilities, screening and education, have led to better outcomes for sufferers.
Liz Burgat is general manager of the mental health program for Eastern Health which covers mental health services to areas including the Yarra Valley.
She said while mental health has come to prominence in the report as a result of improvements in other areas (of disease), the demographics of the Yarra Valley supported the supposition there is a high incidence of mental health needs in the valley.
“We don’t know what the figures are but we do know that national statistics would say one in five people are going to experience mental health problems at some stage in their life,” Ms Burgat said.
She said while there had been lots of improvements in the treatment of mental illness and the range of medications and options available to patients, the demand for services remains higher than service providers across the board have the resources to meet.
“We have a large mental health program that works to meet those needs and look to opportunities such as working in partnership with GPs and private providers such as psychiatrists and primary care organisations and will continue to do that,” she said.
Ms Burgat said building was expected start at Maroondah Hospital in August which would provide 20 additional adult beds for mental health patients.
“We are hopeful this will ease the needs for acute beds in the outer east but it will be at least a year before they start to become available and 18 months before the full number is opened.
Ms Burgat said a first-step contact for mental health issues was Eastern Health Mental Health Service on 1300 721 927.
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