A Greens motion calling for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) available to all South Australians by including it in the public health system passed the Upper House yesterday afternoon with cross-partisan support.
TMS is a form of neurostimulation, which unlike other forms does not require the person undergoing treatment to be put under general anaesthesia or be an in-patient throughout their treatment. Unlike Electroconvulsive Therapy, TMS can be done with minimal disruptions to the daily lives of patients and can be effective for many suffering from major depression.
In 2018 the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists recommended that TMS should be accessible in private and public mental health services and made available in addition to the current spectrum of treatment options.
Quotes attributable to Ms Tammy Franks MLC:
“Accessible, affordable treatments for mental health is vital. For people with private health insurance who can afford the out-of-pocket costs, the treatment is available, yet for those who cannot afford this option this lack of availability is a huge gap.”
“We must provide mental health treatment options which allow people to continue functioning in their everyday lives. TMS presents a huge opportunity to help people who otherwise may enter the hospital system and undergo much more disruptive and invasive treatments.”
“TMS will save lives and it will change lives. TMS is a proven option here that I am so glad all members on all sides of politics have shown an interest in supporting improved access to this treatment.”