Dr John Brayley: From Asylums to Community Care and Beyond.

On the 6 September 2023 the History Trust of South Australia was proud to present the 2023 Jennifer Cashmore Oration at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). Orator Dr John Brayley MBBS FRANZCP, Chief Psychiatrist at SA Health, delivered ‘From Asylums to Community Care and Beyond – Human Rights and Mental Health: Lessons from History’ to a packed venue. Having previously held roles in both mental health and general health, Dr Brayley has been Director of Mental Health for South Australia, the Public Advocate for South Australia, and Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in Canberra.

Understanding the intersection between mental health responses and human rights is the focus of the 2023 oration. Greg Mackie OAM, CEO of the History Trust of South Australia said:

“The Jennifer Cashmore Oration offers an exceptional platform to reflect upon the historical underpinnings of mental health care and human rights. From the world of lived experience and wellbeing to health system responses, the recognition of the influence of mental health on our society has grown apace. Dr. Brayley’s insights illuminate the complexities of this evolving landscape.”

You can watch Dr Brayley’s oration in full below, and download the bibliography here.
Download Dr Brayley’s presentation here.