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Rights advocacy and support services for people with a mental illness

Mercy Mental Health support the rights of people with a mental illness to have access to supports and advice.

As a consumer of healthcare services at Mercy Mental Health, it is important for you to understand your rights and responsibilities when receiving these services.

Mental Health Tribunal

The Tribunal is an essential safeguard under the Mental Health Act 2014 to protect the rights and dignity of people with mental illness. The primary function of the Tribunal is to determine whether the criteria for compulsory mental health treatment as set out in the Mental Health Act 2014 apply to a person. The Tribunal makes a Treatment Order for a person if all the criteria in the legislation apply to that person.

Independent Mental Health Advocacy

Under the Mental Health Act 2014 people receiving treatment under the Act have the right to access independent advocacy. The State Government auspices the Independent Mental Health Advocacy service to provide this service.

Victoria Legal Aid

Victorian Legal Aid has services available to assist people receiving treatment under the Act.

Office of the Chief Psychiatrist

The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist has designated powers under the Mental Health Act 2014 to oversee and monitor the provision of mental health services.

Mental Health Complaints Commissioner

The Mental Health Complaints Commissioner is available to support consumers of mental health services in addressing concerns they have about the services they receive.

Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights in Victoria.

Contacts

Mental Health Tribunal

Independent Mental Health Advocacy

Victoria Legal Aid

Mental Health Complaints Commissioner

Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights

  • Website: Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights
  • About:

    Everyone has the right to be able to access healthcare. The Australian Government commits to international agreements about human rights that recognise everyone’s right to have the highest possible standard of physical and mental healthcare. Australia is a society made up of people with different cultures and ways of life, and the Charter acknowledges and respects these differences.

Last reviewed June 30, 2022.

Your rights and responsibilities

Throughout your experience at Mercy Health, it is important for you to understand your rights and responsibilities when receiving care.

Your rights and responsibilities

Fee Schedule

​If you are not eligible for Medicare, you will be required to pay for the cost of your care. Find out more about the fees for patients who are not eligible for Medicare.

Fee Schedule

Providing feedback

We value feedback from the people we care for, including from your families, friends, carers, and our broader community. Find out how to register a concern, complaint or compliment, or make a suggestion for improvement at Mercy Health.

Providing feedback