The Chief Psychiatrist

The Chief Psychiatrist has responsibility under the Mental Health Act 1986 for the medical care and welfare of persons receiving treatment or care for a mental illness.

The Chief Psychiatrist's responsibilities include monitoring the clinical standards of psychiatric practice and treatment provided by public mental health services and responding to complaints from consumers, carers and others.

The Chief Psychiatrist is assisted in her duties by a Deputy Chief Psychiatrist, Child and Youth Mental Health and a Deputy Chief Psychiatrist, Aged Persons Mental Health.

Functions of the Chief Psychiatrist

Key functions of the Chief Psychiatrist include:

• investigations concerning treatment-related issues where the Chief Psychiatrist determines such an investigation is warranted
• statewide clinical review of approved mental health services to examine the standard, quality and consistency of clinical practice provided
• investigation of complaints from consumers and carers
• management of enquiries and correspondence from members of the public, service providers and other organisations
• development of clinical guidelines and circulars concerning application and interpretation of the Act and establishment and maintenance of practice standards
• provision of high level advice and consultation.

A more detailed description of the role of the Chief Psychiatrist can be found in the Annual Report.