7th Vera Scantlebury Brown Memorial Lecture

Presented by Professor Harriet Hiscock
Principal Fellow, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne
Group Leader, Health Services, Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Director, Health Services Research Unit, The Royal Children’s Hospital

One in seven Australian children have a mental health problem but fewer than half get help. More children are coming to Victorian Emergency Departments in mental health crisis and families wait up to 6 months to see a community clinician for support. A two-sector public vs private health system is further disadvantaging families who cannot afford out-of-pocket costs for mental health care. Why is this happening and what can we do about it?

Drawing upon her research into the Australian mental healthcare system and family and clinician voices, Professor Harriet Hiscock, like Dr Vera Scantlebury Brown, is using data to drive improvements in care for young children. Innovative models are needed if we are to ensure mental health care that is accessible and affordable to Australian children and their families.

RSVP: [email protected]