Likeminds Taranaki

Guide to Te Puna Waiora

 

About the Ward

Inpatient treatment involves the Therapeutic Group programme and individual sessions with clinicians which may not always be booked in advance. The therapeutic program includes recovery focussed groups presented by peer support workers and mental health clinicians.

Whilst the mental health service is required to provide care and assessment to Tangata Whaiora clients in the least restrictive environment possible, given the current facility design, client population with a range of ages, acuity levels, diagnosis and risk, the door of the inpatient unit will not be kept open. It is a duty of care to keep clients safe. Taranaki District Health Board considers this practice is in the client's best interest.

On Admission

What to Bring

Clients will need their usual daywear and a few changes of clothing, also nightwear, slippers and toiletries. It is better to send washing home, although there is a washing machine and tumble dryer available in the laundry.

It is also OK to bring in some personal items such as photos and small radios. Earphones are preferred. This can help clients to feel more comfortable.  

Please DO NOT bring any valuable items into the unit, as we cannot guarantee their safety and do not take responsibility for property. Money can be locked in a safe at corporate reception.

Drugs and alcohol are not permitted in the unit. If it is suspected a client has illicit substances they and their property will be searched and the matter will be refferred to the Police. If it is suspected a visitor is bringing illicit substances in, they may be searched or asked to leave and the Police will be contacted. It is not only the clients illness that may be affected but others in the unit. There is a zero tolerance policy on this issue.

Visiting

There are visitors' rooms available. Visitors are not permitted in the bedrooms without prior arrangement. If children come to visit, they need to be closely supervised and visiting will be restricted to the whanau room.

Visiting in IPC (Intensive Psychiatric Unit)

 

Phone calls to IPC (Intensive Psychiatric Unit)

No phone calls will be forwarded directly to clients in IPC. The staff will talk to callers, and give the phone to clients, or messages will be taken and passed on if the client is not well enough to use the phone.

Going into Hospital

People tend to be only admitted to Te Puna Waiora if they are extremely troubled by symptoms and require intensive care until their symptoms become stabilized, or for managing medication changes. Service users are admitted voluntarily or under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992.

Voluntary Admission

Mental Health Act or Involuntary Admission

This happens when the psychiatrist or other treating professional recommends that the person needs hospitalisation but the person does not agree to being admitted.

Under certain circumstances it is possible for them to be admitted, under a Compulsory Treatment Order, without their consent. The exact circumstances will vary from person to person, but in general, a person is admitted compulsorily for their own health or safety or for the protection of others. These circumstances must be due to a mental illness that can be treated in Te Puna Waiora.

There are a number of legal requirements setting out the circumstances in which a person can be a compulsory or involuntary patient under a Compulsory Treatment Order. These will be explained to the person and their family/whanau on admission and during the course of their hospital treatment.

Compulsory Treatment Orders

Understanding Compulsory Treatment

Legislation exists to provide compulsory treatment and admit a client involuntarily in certain situations. 

The Mental Health Act allows a Compulsory Treatment Order to be invoked if a client poses a serious risk to themselves or others, or is unable to adequately take care of him or herself.

Legislation requires that Assessment and Treatment under the Mental Health Act takes place in the least restrictive possible manner. The majority of compulsory patients are resident in the community.

If clients would like to know more about the process, they can feel free to ask at reception for a Duly Authorised Officer to contact you.

Each region has a District Inspector, who must be a qualified lawyer appointed by the Ministry of Health and independent of the hospital. The role of the District Inspector is to ensure that consumer rights are fully observed and the legislation is applied in an appropriate manner. 

Our District Inspector is Murray Cochrane. 

Please feel free to call him with any concerns, 06 758 6049.

Family Accommodation

Family members or a support person can make a request to stay at Whaiora on the Hospital premises. Please ask at reception, how you can arrange this.

Whanau Room

A Whanau room is available for Tangata Whaiora/Service Users and their Whanau/Family. This room can be used for Family/Whanau meetings, or for private space for visiting.

Everybody is welcome to access this room by arrangement with in visiting hours. Please ask a nurse.

Chaplaincy Service

The hospital chaplain visits the ward twice a week or on request. To speak to the Chaplain contact: Rev. Robert Anderson Tel: 06 753 6139.

Clinical Meetings

Whilst an inpatient, a client's treatment plan is reviewed by the Mental Health Team at regular, multidisciplinary meetings.

The team will consist of any or all of the following:

 

Family/Whanau meetings

If there are concerns around a client's recovery or major changes to care plans, then the team may call a family/whanau meeting.

If the family has any concerns they may also request that a meeting be held. This usually includes the client, and people directly involved in their care, family and support people. This meeting is a good opportunity to discuss any issues or questions that may arise with the team and make sure that the needs of both the client and the family are met by the service.

Lawyers

All service users have the right to access a lawyer; sometimes they may need assistance to do this. A list of lawyers is available; please ask at the nurses' station.

Family/Whanau Advisor

A Family/Whanau Advisor is employed within the Mental Health Service to assist family and support people with any concerns or information that may be required.

The Family/Whanau Advisor makes sure that family issues are raised at the highest possible level and that family input into the services is recognised. She is also responsible for the training of staff as regards the needs of the family.

Raewynn Kruse is available Monday - Friday 8.30 - 4.30

Tel:       06 753 7777 ext 8550
Fax:      06 753 7796
E-mail:  Raewynn.kruse@tdhb.org.nz

Consumer/Tangata Whaiora Advisor

The Consumer Advisor has input into the Mental Health Service at every level and makes sure that the consumer voice is heard. 

The Consumer Advisor provides systemic advocacy for service users and makes sure that the service delivered best reflects strength based and recovery models, and that service users are able to actively participate in their own treatment and support.

Nic Magrath is available Monday - Friday 8.30 - 4.30

Tel:      06 753 7777 ext 8550
Fax:     06 753 7796
E-mail:  Nic.magrath@tdhb.org.nz

Discharge

Planning for discharge will be continuous during a clients stay. Wherever possible, Family/Whanau will be involved in this process.

On discharge client's will be given a copy of the discharge summary and a copy of their relapse prevention plan. With the clients consent, Family/Whanau can request a copy of this plan. The plan will include people the client can contact from within the service if they have any concerns.

Support Groups

Supporting Families in Mental Illness, (S.F.) is an organisation set up to support Family/Whanau in Mental Illness. The Organisations Mission is to promote the best quality of life for people with Mental Illness and their family/whanau.

SF Taranaki

Manager - Jo Van Leeuwen
Field Worker North Taranaki - Kathleen Mary
Field Worker South Taranaki - Laura Douglas
3^rd Floor, Devon Building, Liardet Street, New Plymouth
Tel: (06) 757 9300
Email sf.newplymouth@xtra.co.nz

---