Physical health care for people living with mental health issues: Introduction

The National Mental Health Commission’s Equally Well consensus statement calls for national commitment to improve the physical health of people with lived experience, and to minimise the gap between their health outcomes and life expectancy and those of the rest of the population.

Nearly 80% of premature deaths of people living with mental health issues are related to preventable physical health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disorders. 

NSW Health districts and networks are called upon to take action to improve the physical health outcomes and quality of life indicators for people accessing their services.   

This section highlights specific populations that may experience more significant physical health impacts due to greater disadvantage, stigma and discrimination. Service planners must consider the safety of these populations when implementing reform.

Resources that support the consideration for specific populations can be found on Considerations for specific populations.

Resources

Evidence Check: How can community organisations best deliver physical healthcare to people living with a mental illness?
Evidence Brief: How can community organisations best deliver physical healthcare to people living with a mental illness?
Publication type: Evidence Brief
Produced by: Sax Institute

Equally Well Consensus Statement
This links to the Equally Well Consensus Statement on the physical health of people living with a mental illness of which NSW Health is a signatory.
Publication type: Consensus statement
Produced by: National Mental Health Commission

Healthy Active Lives (HeAL) Declaration
This links to the HeAL consensus statement which reflects international consensus on a set of key principles, processes and standards that aim to support the physical health of young people experiencing psychosis.
Publication type: Consensus statement
Produced by: International Physical Health in Youth (iphYs)

The Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan
The Fifth Plan forms an integral part of the National Mental Health Strategy which drives mental health reform.
Publication type: Strategic plan
Produced by: Health Council (formerly COAG Health Council)

NSW Strategic Framework and Workforce Plan for Mental Heath 2018-2022
A Framework for NSW Health action in mental health over the next five years.
Publication type: Strategic plan
Produced by: NSW Ministry of Health

Living Well: A Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW 2014-2024
Supports a vision for a mental health system focused on community-based mental health supports.
Publication type: Strategic plan.
Published by: Mental Health Commission of NSW 

Physical Health and Wellbeing: Evidence Guide
This document outlines the latest evidence for various lifestyle interventions, current gaps in the literature and strategies for reform. 
Publication Type: Evidence guide
Produced by: Mental Health Commission of NSW

Keeping the Body and Mind Together: Improving the physical health and life expectancy of people with serious mental illness
A summary of the key evidence about poorer physical health and reduced life expectancy of adults with serious mental illness compared with others.
Publication Type: Evidence report
Produced by: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists