Transforming Mental Health Access

Acting Associate Program Director Adult Access Mental Health, Karen Waixel, has spent 23 years at Eastern Health working in Mental Health. Now she is oversees key services including crisis teams, emergency department responses and statewide telehealth support.

“Our mental health crisis teams, alongside the statewide Ambulance Victoria telehealth service, ensure timely and comprehensive support is available to consumers wherever they are.”

Karen is also guiding major initiatives like the implementation of the alternative assessment clinic team to better support consumers and ease pressure on emergency departments.

“One of our goals is to improve the flow from emergency departments by offering alternative assessment pathways for consumers”

“If you seek to understand a person or a problem, it gives you more compassion and helps you find the right solution—without rushing to judgement.”