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Mental health
Data

Admitted patient indicators

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More information can be found in the admitted patients mental health-related care section.

Indicator 1: Mental health readmissions to hospital

Description: The percentage of in-scope overnight separations from public sector acute admitted patient mental health care service unit(s) that are followed by readmission to the same or to another public sector acute admitted patient mental health care service unit within 28 days of separation.

The national rate of mental health readmissions to an acute psychiatric unit has remained stable at around 14% over the past 10 years.

The national rate of mental health readmissions to an acute psychiatric unit has remained stable at around 14% over the past 10 years.

Indicator 2: Average length of acute mental health inpatient stay

Description: The average length of stay of in-scope overnight hospitalisations from public sector acute admitted patient mental health care service units.

The national average length of stay across all acute admitted mental health units has been stable since 2010–11, ranging from 12 to 15 days. 

The national average length of stay across all acute admitted mental health units has been stable since 2010–11, ranging from 12 to 15 days. 

Indicator 3: Average cost per acute mental health admitted patient day

Description: Average cost of a patient day provided by public sector acute admitted patient mental health care service units.

The average cost per acute patient day has increased over time. For General services, the national average increased from $1,094 per patient day in 2005–06 to $1,730 in 2023–24, adjusted for inflation. 

The average cost per acute patient day has increased over time. For General services, the national average increased from $1,094 per patient day in 2005–06 to $1,730 in 2023–24, adjusted for inflation. 

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