Patients with mental illness will have the opportunity of a new service in the community with the help of family doctors, launched by Minister for Health Chris Fearne.

The Minister explained that that there are a number of patients receiving treatment for mental health problems in Government hospitals, with outpatient appointments appointments once a year. Now these patients instead of waiting another year between appointment, will have the opportunity of a quarterly with the family doctor, which will be paid for by the Government.

To this end, he said, a call will be issued in th coming days for practitioners to be able to offer this service in the community.

"This system is a win-win for all concerned, assisting patients, who will now not have to wait a year between appointment, especially if they feel that their mental health has deteriorated," said Minister Fearne.

Photograph: DOI/Kevin Abela

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