Thousands of patients, staff in fear

The fate of a Hunter counselling service is expected to be revealed today following the release of a comprehensive review into the community-based initiative.

  • UNDER THREAT: The future of the Hunter New England Health Social Work and Psychology Services is under threat from government cuts.

The fate of a Hunter counselling service is expected to be revealed today following the release of a comprehensive review into the community-based initiative.

The future of the Hunter New England Health Social Work and Psychology Services – which includes East Maitland Community Health Centre – is now under threat with fears that 50 community health jobs will be cut and up to 1500 clients dropped.

A petition has also been launched on CommunityRun.org – an independent advocacy organisation committed to building a more progressive Australia - calling on NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner to save the service.

“Removing access to psychologists and social workers from so many vulnerable individuals with no appropriate alternatives in the region will result in not only an increased burden on those suffering, but the community at large,” Hunter health worker Jane Smith (a pseudonym) said. “The findings of this review will leave thousands of patients and up to 50 staff in fear.”

More than 1000 people use Hunter community counselling services every year for a variety of mental health and social issues including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, post traumatic stress disorder and domestic violence.

“These types of problems may not be considered severe enough for mental health treatments and so they are often rejected from Medicare-funded services,” Ms Smith said.

“Additionally, the yearly Medicare limit of 10 sessions is insufficient for individuals with such complex needs.

“Counselling services should not be restricted to the middle class or privileged ... they should be equally accessible to all members of the community.”

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