With waiting lists growing exponentially, Peel Health Hub service providers became concerned young people would "fall through the cracks" if they did not employ more staff.
The Australian-first 'holistic' model, which opened in November 2018, was a solution to tackle the number of youth suicides in the region by coordinating client care across nine organisations.
But, the success of the Hub saw the number of patients skyrocket.
The Mandurah Mail explored the issue by speaking with patients, service providers and politicians, highlighting the need for resources to be allocated by authorities.
After a four-month-long fight to secure funding for front-end staff last year, the Peel Health Hub were able to introduce its care coordinator team in March.
Read more on the issue:
- Peel Health Hub celebrates front-end staff funding announcement
- Peel Health Hub faces final hurdle in securing funding for front-end staff
- Funding body to assess Peel Health Hub's application for coordinators
- Critical negotiations in play for Peel Health Hub care coordinators
- State and federal politicians deliberate as Peel Health Hub calls intensify
Peel Health Hub lead care coordinator Paul Reilly said the new model of care ensured every walk-in received immediate help.
"Since the beginning we have had people walk in unannounced to the building sometimes curiously, sometimes in desperation and often because they've had knock backs else where," he said.
"We have overcome that issue by dealing with those walk-ins so they are assessed within half an hour of walking into the building with no appointment.
"From there we work out a plan with the individual, which will potentially involve other services in the building, and we then liaise with those services to get the client in.
"The care coordinating role is the glue of the building."
GP Down South representative Eleanor Britton added that the care coordinators offered a safe place with no barriers, which was difficult to find at most mental health organisations.
The care coordinating role is the glue of the building.
- Peel Health Hub lead care coordinator Paul Reilly
"The kids are used to being turned away and used to having been on wait lists and when they are ready to reach out they find themselves with a referral," she said.
"That's a real point of difference here as we see them and listen to them when they are reaching out."
Read more on the issue:
- Peel Health Hub 'under the pump' with Mandurah mental health issues at all-time high
- 'The problem is real': The call for further resources at Peel Health Hub is growing
- State and federal politicians promise to act after Peel Health Hub's call for resources
- Tackling Peel suicides: Police and health department team up for revolutionary trial
- Stark Mandurah options during mental health crisis detailed by local grandmother
With an average of one to two walk-ins a day, the unique care team have prevented a number of patients from deteriorating by offering on-the-spot care.
"We've case managed about 90 clients up until July 1 and we saw 14 more walk-ins in July," Mr Reilly said.
"We've taken the heat off in terms of people that would otherwise be stuck sitting on a list with no service and we have potentially avoided them from deteriorating in that time.
"I know we've avoided individuals going to the emergency department."
If your life is in danger, call 000. For crisis support or suicide prevention, call 13 11 14. To get in touch with the Peel Health Hub, call 9583 5435.
