The Chief Psychiatrist advises that from Tuesday 14 July 2020, the Clinical Helpdesk will be closed until we are able staff it consistently. During this period, we advise that Clinical…
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Latest news
Chief Psychiatrist’s Activities and COVID-19 Response – Updated 23/12/2020
17 Mar 2020
COVID-19 Mental Health Directives and Guides Management of acute behavioural disturbance in COVID-19 (Department of Health) This guideline addresses the safe care and management of consumerspresenting with psychological distress and…
Chief Psychiatrist’s Audiovisual Communication Guidelines for Mental Health Infection Control Directions (No.2)
23 Dec 2020
The Chief Psychiatrist has issued this guideline for the use of audiovisual communication in response to the requirement of the Mental Health Infection Control Directions. These Directions were issued under…
Chief Psychiatrist’s Review into the Treatment of Ms Kate Savage by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
14 Dec 2020
The Chief Psychiatrist was requested by the Minister for Mental Health to undertake a Review into the tragic death of Ms Kate Savage, age 13 years. The scope of this…
Guidelines to improve sexual safety in mental health services launched at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Mental Health Unit
1 Dec 2020
The Chief Psychiatrist is responsible for setting and overseeing the standards of care provided by mental health services to consumers in WA. Ensuring people accessing mental health services feel and…
Chief Psychiatrist congratulates Professor Helen Milroy – 2021 WA Australian of the Year
16 Nov 2020
Dr Nathan Gibson – Chief Psychiatrist congratulates Professor Helen Milroy on her recognition as the 2021 WA Australian of the Year. Professor Milroy is a highly respected expert in the…
WA Seclusion and Restraint Data: 2019-2020
2 Nov 2020
The Chief Psychiatrist is committed to reducing the rate of restrictive practices, seclusion and restraint, in Western Australia (WA). In order to promote transparency in the use of restrictive practices…
Chief Psychiatrist’s Annual Report 2019-2020
14 Oct 2020
The Chief Psychiatrist’s Annual Report 2019-20 has been tabled in WA Parliament. ‘Ensuring Safe and High Quality Mental Health Care’Annual Report of the Chief Psychiatrist of Western Australia01 July 2019…
The Chief Psychiatrist’s message for Mental Health Week
13 Oct 2020
During Mental Health Week 2020, it is important we take time to think about, and respect, inherent dignity and humanity when considering severe and enduring mental illness: the humanity of…
Updated Guideline: Management of acute behavioural disturbance in COVID-19
30 Sep 2020
The Department of Health has released version two of the Guideline: Management of acute behavioural disturbance in COVID-19. The guideline now includes the latest policy advice on the use of…
Chief Psychiatrist’s Targeted Review Report: Homicides allegedly committed by people who have had contact with, or who were being treated by, WA Mental Health Services during 2018
23 Sep 2020
Homicides by individuals with serious mental illness are rare. In 2018, Western Australia experienced a spike of nine homicides allegedly associated with individuals who were patients of, or had recent…
Chief Psychiatrist’s Clinical Monitoring of Private Psychiatric Hostels
15 Sep 2020
The Chief Psychiatrist has commenced monitoring of the treatment and care provided to residents of private psychiatric hostels within Western Australia. A new page has been added to the Chief…