Dr. Sandeep Chand: Leading the Way in Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a tragic reality that affects far too many people in Australia. It is one of the leading causes of death in the country, but there are individuals like Dr. Sandeep Chand who are dedicated to making a difference. As the Clinical Director for Gold Coast Mental Health Services, Dr. Chand is spearheading a groundbreaking program aimed at achieving ‘Zero Suicides'.
This innovative strategy takes a service-wide approach to suicide prevention, the first of its kind for a public mental health service in Australia. Dr. Chand firmly believes that no number of suicides is acceptable, and that with effective practices and treatments, we can work towards reducing the incidence of suicide.
The program Dr. Chand leads focuses on a six-part process with consumers, including screening, assessment, safety planning, and ongoing support and education. The goal is to ensure that individuals in crisis do not fall through the cracks of the healthcare system, ultimately reducing the devastating impact of suicide on families, partners, and colleagues.
With over 10,000 mental health-related presentations to Gold Coast emergency departments each year, the demand for these services is clear. Dr. Chand and his team work tirelessly to provide help and ongoing support to those in need, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The success of the program is evident in the number of people admitted to the mental health facility at Gold Coast University Hospital each year. By providing effective interventions and follow-up care, Dr. Chand and his team have been able to reduce up to 40% of returns to emergency departments.
For those in need of mental health support, help is just a phone call away. Whether you live on the Gold Coast or anywhere else in Queensland, there are resources available to assist you. Remember, you are not alone, and there is always help available.