Photo: RNZ /Dom Thomas
The Minister for Mental Health says promises about improving access to mental health services are achievable.
The government has set targets to ensure patients get seen more quickly by specialists services, have shorter stays in EDs, and faster access to primary mental health services.
It has also pledged to train 500 mental health and addiction professionals each year, and says a quarter of all mental health and addiction investment will be allocated towards prevention and early intervention.
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey outlined the targets yesterday, along with an announcement that at least $10 million will be allocated to a new Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund - for non-governmental initiatives that reduce demand on the public system.
He explains how the changes will be achieved.
