Aiming to improve mental health support services, Victorian Chief Psychiatrist Associate Professor Sophie Adams visited Mercy Mental Health & Wellbeing at Werribee Mercy Hospital last week.
General Manager Mercy Mental Health & Wellbeing Brendan Pawsey said the visit was very successful, enabling the Chief Psychiatrist to better understand our services.
“Not only did we have meaningful discussions about broad sector challenges and opportunities, but it was a great chance to demonstrate the many service innovations we’ve successfully implemented at Mercy Health in recent times,” said Brendan.
Associate Professor Adams was very interested in understanding our local service and sector challenges.
“She was keen to learn what’s working well, along with some of the challenges we experience in the local area,” said Brendan.
The Chief Psychiatrist and her colleagues were also keen to hear about our lived and living experience workforce impact and were particularly impressed with the coordination between our Emergency Department and Mental Health and Wellbeing services.
“Most importantly, we now have an open invitation to contact the office of the Victorian Chief Psychiatrist to continue meaningful dialogue about sector challenges, and to seek her support when challenges arise,” said Brendan.
The Chief Psychiatrist is an independent statutory officer who upholds the quality and safety of clinical services in Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system.
Associate Professor Adams has worked in Mental Health in public and private, primary and tertiary for over 25 years and has had senior leadership roles across the sector. She is passionate about the importance of the mental health sector to thriving communities.
Last reviewed February 14, 2025.
