Six mental health experts including NSW Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright make up the panel which will visit the state’s acute mental health units, mental health intensive care units and declared emergency departments.

Community members have been invited to make submissions, and there will also be the opportunity for face-to-face consultations through public workshops.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the review earlier this month after horrific footage emerged of a patient’s death at a Lismore mental health facility in 2014.

Last week, news of the ‘’unexpected’’ death of a 49-year-old Port Kembla man Nikola Nastovski at Shellharbour’s Mirrabrook facility on May 4 prompted Parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward to call for a parliamentary inquiry into health care to also include mental health.

‘’We need to make sure that our most vulnerable patients have the support they need, and that their families have confidence in the system,’’ Mr Ward said.

‘’There are examples where this hasn’t happened and the minister has promised to ‘leave no stone unturned’ to ensure people living with mental illness are receiving the best possible care.

‘’People should feel encouraged to stand up and speak out about any concerns as part of this review so we can make the system better.’’

The panel, which includes NSW Mental Health Commission deputy commissioner Dr Robyn Shields, will deliver a report and recommendations by December.

NSW Nurses and Midwives Association general secretary Brett Holmes said it was vital the review panel took a close look at staffing levels and skill mixes.

‘’We will certainly be requesting the review panel to pay close attention to skill mix, as well as staffing ratios, and whether appropriate training and supervision has been provided across all settings,’’ he said,

‘’At the end of the day, the safety of staff and patients has to be given priority because of the potential risks and known levels of violence occurring in both mental health units and emergency departments.’’

Mr Hazzard and Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said the review would consider whether existing legislation and policies were consistent with national standards, international best practice and community expectations.

‘’We need to know appropriate policies are in place in our hospitals and mental health facilities and the extent to which staff actually adhere to existing policies and protocol,’’ Mr Hazzard said.

The full panel includes Dr Wright; Dr Shields; National Mental Health Commission commissioner Jackie Crowe; NSW Principal Official Visitor Karen Lenihan; Southern NSW Local Health District nursing and midwifery executive director Julie Mooney and US behavioural health consultant Dr Kevin Huckshorn.

‘’The diverse panel brings together views of those with lived experience of mental illness, international experience on pathways for reducing seclusion and restraint, and a deep understanding of the NSW mental health system,’’ Mrs Davies said.