Strengthening Hub-and-spoke Models for Mental Health Triaging in Hospitals

Ms Elysa Chen asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health what are the government's plans to strengthen hub-and-spoke models for mental health triaging in hospitals, including clearer protocols for routing patients from emergency departments and specialist outpatient clinics to appropriate community-based or primary care services, so that patients with varying levels of need can receive timely and stepped-up support without over-straining acute hospital resources.

Under the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, a Mental Health Tiered Care Model has been established where services are tiered based on care intensity. The Practice Guide for Tiered Care Model for Mental Health was developed to guide service providers to deliver appropriate and effective care to individuals based on their needs.

To improve access and ensure care at appropriate settings, the Ministry of Health has introduced First Stops for Mental Health via the national mindline 1771, mindline.sg and Community Outreach Teams and CHAT services. These services provide assessment of mental health needs, brief support, triage and if needed, referrals to more suitable services. This ensures that those seeking mental health support are referred to the appropriate care settings, reducing unnecessary attendance at Acute Emergency Rooms and Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs).

For individuals with more severe or urgent needs who present at the hospital emergency departments, psychiatrists will assess the need for admission. Suitable patients at the SOCs can continue care at primary and community care settings by trained counsellors and social workers.