Victorian Nationals deputy leader Steph Ryan says reported health data reveals a huge gap in the delivery of mental health services by Goulburn Valley Health.
GV Health expected to deliver 49,698 hours of mental health support to the community this financial year but figures up to December 30, 2021, showed just 10,000 hours had been provided.
“The Andrews Government has pulled the pin on mental health services at a time when the community needs it most,” Ms Ryan said.
“Lockdowns have exacerbated already long waiting times for mental health support.”
The state opposition said the Victorian Government could deliver a boost to the workforce of 4000 mental health professionals with some simple changes.
“There are 2000 provisional psychologists in Victoria today who have extra capacity to help Victorians who need mental health support,” Ms Ryan said.
“Victoria has a further 2000 qualified and skilled counsellors but the Andrews Government won’t recognise them as mental health practitioners, and as a result they are barred from working in schools.”
The Nationals say they would make the changes necessary to recognise qualified counsellors as mental health practitioners within 100 days of coming to office.
GV Health executive director community care and mental health Josh Freeman said the organisation was committed to delivering mental health services to the community, but along with other regional health services, faced a number of challenges.
“Even though GV Health has received increased funding for mental health services, and as a result increased mental health contact targets, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border closures, we have difficulties recruiting mental health practitioners,” he said.
GV Health said mental health contact hours were under-reported due to protected industrial action, which meant mental health staff were not entering data and information into the reporting system.
“This is not something that has been exclusive to GV Health and it has had a statewide impact,” Mr Freeman said.
“It is GV Health’s view that the data available reflects an under-reporting of approximately 40 per cent.”
During the pandemic, up to 15 per cent of GV Health’s mental health staff have assisted with the COVID-19 response in other roles, which has also impacted mental health service hours.
“GV Health anticipates that with the cessation of the industrial protected action bans, recruitment of mental health practitioners, and the return of mental health staff to their roles after assisting with the COVID-19 response, that mental health service hours will increase, helping people manage their own recovery and maximise their participation in community life,” Mr Freeman said.