By Ewen McRae
Sunshine Hospital will be one of six Victorian hospitals to benefit from the expansion of a new suicide prevention program.
The state government announced last week that the Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) initiative would be expanding after a successful pilot at the Alfred Hospital over the past 12 months. Sunshine will join Casey, Latrobe, Ballarat, Werribee, and Bendigo hospitals in adopting the initiative.
Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said the toll of suicide in the community had to be reduced and initiatives like this were helping.
“Every year, suicide takes more than twice as many lives as the road toll – that’s simply unacceptable,” Mr Foley said.
“The HOPE program has already helped hundreds of Victorians who have attempted suicide and need an intensive response in the months following, which we know can be a period of heightened risk.
“By expanding the program to more sites across the state, we are continuing to take a proactive approach to suicide prevention.”
HOPE provides practical support and follow-up for people leaving hospital after a suicide attempt. Outreach workers also work with families, friends and carers.
Mid-West area mental health manager Terry Runciman said the program would be a welcome addition to the suicide prevention services at Sunshine Hospital.
“One suicide in the Brimbank or Melton region is one too many and this new program will help support our staff to remain in contact with our clients in the community who we believe are at risk of harming themselves again,” Mr Runciman said
The government has allocated $18.7 million in this year’s budget to expand the program.
