The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a report that focuses on hospitalisation rates for mental health conditions and intentional self-harm for the period 2013–14.

Regional primary health care networks (PHN) had 971 overnight hospitalisations per 100,000 people with the number dropping to 857 in metropolitan areas.

News was better for the Western Victoria PHN with the area recording the second lowest rates of hospitalisations and the fifth lowest rate of hospital bed stays across Australia.

Western Victoria PHN chief executive Jason Trethowan said the report showed that Western Victoria was providing a good level of health and community support for mental health and drug and alcohol related conditions.

“While we recognise the need for further services to support the hospital system in mental health,” Mr Trethowan said.

“This latest data highlights the importance and effectiveness of embedding early intervention services in general practice, primary health and community services.”

“We are also happy to announce that existing mental health services will be further supported by our recently commissioned psychological therapy services. These services will provide greater access for child, adult and suicide prevention services for mild to moderate mental illnesses across all of the 21 local government areas that make up the Western Victoria region.

“These services are also specifically designed for people who experience barriers to accessing mainstream treatment options and tend to have poorer health outcomes.”

Under these services, patients will be able to access psychological therapy services via their GP, paediatrician or Aboriginal health practitioner.

Mr Trethowan said around four-five million Australians suffer some form of mental illness in any given year. These numbers make mental health the third most prominent chronic disease, after cancer and heart disease.

“Raising awareness, reducing the stigma and discrimination attached to mental illness is vital,” Mr Trethowan said.

“Mental health affects all aspects of people’s lives and it’s important to look after it.”