THE WESTERN NSW Primary Health Network (WPHN) will seek to "reap the full benefits" for the region of mental health reform announced by the federal government.
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Dubbo-based chief executive officer Andrew Harvey said it was well positioned to take on a much larger role in the commissioning of mental health services.
He said the 31 PHNs across Australia would be working with bureaucrats to "understand the details of the changes".
"These reforms have far-reaching potential across our region and for us patient well-being and service continuity will be paramount throughout this process," Mr Harvey said.
"The focus for us now is on regional change management, to ensure we work with our communities to reap the full benefits of the reform package.
"We will actively engage key stakeholder groups across the mental health sector, especially primary mental health providers and our two local health districts."
Mr Harvey noted that the National Mental Health Commission had recognised "a whole of government, whole of person, whole of life approach" to mental health and well-being.
"We applaud the government's agreement on the need to shift the focus from crisis responses and sick-care to better preventing illness, keeping people well, supporting recovery and providing stable housing and participation in employment, education and training," he said.