The Queensland Government has announced a partnership between Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service to support Cairns locals experiencing mental illness. 

 

Launching the Cairns Co-responder trial, State Health Minister Geoff Wilson said that under the scheme, police, health and ambulance staff will share office space so they could attend calls regarding mental health issues as a team.


“Under this pilot program police and health staff provide a joint response to all mental health-related police calls in the community.

“The program draws on the expertise of specialist Queensland Health staff and specially trained Queensland Police officers to make sure patients get fast, effective help that best suits their needs,” Mr Wilson said.

 

“In addition to responding to people in crisis, the Co-Responder Team has been heavily involved in the proactive management of mental health consumers through partnerships with service providers from government and non government organisations.

“By treating people in crisis in their homes and in the community, this trial aims to help keep people out of hospital and treat them where they feel most comfortable.”