Discussion

Upon the completion of the community forums and the closure of the online survey, data was analysed and compared to highlight consistent themes in the needs and gaps identified within Whyalla. Generally, the key issues and trends were highlighted and reflected in both methods, and no obvious disparities were found in the Whyalla data.

Workforce collaboration and a need for structured multidisciplinary networks was identified in both methodologies. Fifty-three percent of survey respondents perceived no workforce collaboration taking place in the region, while the forums highlighted a lack of linkages between organisations, particularly for follow-up care. A lack of support avenues was additionally highlighted in the forums and the survey once more in the followup/ discharge planning phase, suggesting collaboration between primary care providers and community support services is not being effectively utilised. This presents an opportunity for improvement within the region by establishing ties between the various levels of care.

On reviewing the predominant needs and gaps identified through the forums and survey, an underlying need for upskilling and service coordination was evident. Overall, the findings from the community forums aligned with the online survey findings from the Country North region as a whole with the key gaps highlighted being follow-up care, stigma around suicide, suicide prevention training opportunities and workforce collaboration.

The key gaps identified within suicide prevention for the Whyalla community were:

Workforce development and upskilling

Youth education and resilience building

Referral Pathways and early intervention

Follow up care and discharge planning following a suicide attempt