With all the problems we keep on having with mental health, especially in the community, it’s good to be able to tell everyone about some solutions that are in the process of being rolled out in the north and north west.

The pressure that members have been under has led to some actions to protect workers’ safety.

A Consult Liaison position will be created out of the current establishment and this will have a range of functions including assessments of emergency presentations, they won’t be working out of the emergency department. The other part of their role will entail working on the wards of the hospital and assisting with other duties as required. There is a position for the north and a position for the north west.

We'll work with Mental Health management to begin a process to make these positions consistently defined and permanent.

Workers from CATT will also be moving to a 10-hour roster, something we’ve been seeking for a while. This will provide better coverage for the community and abetter balance for workers.

It’s refreshing and commendable that we have leadership in Mental Health that are willing to consult with their workers to see what solutions can be achieved – but more importantly, when we stand together and demand better, we win.