Offer to fund chair in Psychiatry for Elderly

The State Government has offered to fund a Chair in Psychiatry for the Elderly at the University of Western Australia as part of the development of better services for the aged.

Health Minister Keith Wilson said today the move would provide strong academic leadership and encourage more people to develop careers in this important field.

"The State Government is committed to provide the best possible mental health programs for all age groups," Mr Wilson said.

"Unfortunately, WA does not have enough people trained in psychogeriatrics.

"With a Chair in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry being established and the upgrading of the associate professorship in Psychiatry at Royal Perth Hospital to a full Chair, only the field of psychiatry of the elderly remains without a strong senior academic position.

"The proportion of the population aged over 65 is increasing, and it is important high priority be given to a well-developed, well-staffed, high-quality psychiatric service for that age group."

Mr Wilson said a Chair in Psychogeriatrics was essential to ensure appropriate leadership, training, development and co-ordination of research in this field.

The proposal for a Chair was made by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and supported by UWA's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science.

"Establishing the Chair at UWA will help encourage individuals to develop their careers in psychogeriatrics, and overall provide a strong focus for psychiatry of old age," Mr Wilson said.

"I believe this move will serve the best interests of older people in WA."