Time For Change

Newsletter November 2005

The Trust in conjunction with the WHSSB is carrying out a major review of Mental Health Service provision in the Trust's catchment area.

Mental Health problems are a key source of illness, distress and disability. In Northern Ireland over 100,000 people seen by their GP will be diagnosed with a mental illness of this number around 11,000 will be referred on to specialist psychiatric services.

It is important that mental health services are effective, responsive and are influenced by the views of service users and their carers. It is also important that services are modern, up-to-date and reflect research and best practice findings.

The mental health review will be comprehensive and will consider the whole spectrum of services being provided to children, young people, adults and older people with mental health problems. It will also examine how we respond in specialist areas such as Addiction treatment, Psychosexual services and Forensic Psychiatry. Disease prevention and health promotion will also be driving forces in the development of any future mental health strategy.

There will be a particular focus on the future of acute in-patient beds which are currently being provided at the Tyrone & Fermanagh Hospital within the context of Developing Better Services. The review will carefully consider issues in relation to the shape, location and size of any future unit.

As part of the Review there will be a formal User and a Carer assurance group to ensure that the views of these who directly use Mental Health Services are fully reflected.

Latest Progress Report.

The Trust provide a wide range of mental health services to support a wide range of needs community. We work closely with the Western Health and Social Services Board, and other organisations and professionals, in developing all aspects of services from cogitative therapy and counselling services, to day care, telephone support lines, crisis accommodation and residential services.

Reports such as 'With the Young in Mind', a review of services for children and adolescents, as well as the 'Acute and Continuing Care Review' ,which outlines the vision for adult mental health services, assist us in developing appropriate services to serve the spectrum of needs across a wide range of age groups. Long term care for elderly patients increasingly is provided in community settings with refurbished residential accommodation being provided at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital site in Omagh to meet the special needs of about 20 high dependency patients who require on-going hospital care.

Features on some of the mental health services available:

Clare House

Clare house is a community-based facility providing a range of services with enduring mental health problems. Diversity, responsiveness and determination to improve its service best describe its uniqueness. Whilst offering the choice of long term residential care, assessment and training options, respite, day care and supportive care on an outreach basis, ensure the journey in pursuit of improved quality continues.

Clare House makes a difference to people's lives by restoring dignity and autonomy to people, ensuring their independence and acknowledging that everyone is a valued member of society. This is achieved through a dedicated team of staff who have the ability and commitment and flexibility to respond to changing needs.

PATHS

Positive Action To Help those bereaved by Suicide

PATHS is a confidential self-help group, for anyone who has been bereaved by suicide. The group aims to support individuals in coming to terms with their grief, through the support of others who have had a similar experience.

How can PATHS help you?

PATHS meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Post Graduate Centre, Tyrone County Hospital, OMAGH at 8.00 pm

For further information please telephone 028 8224 5211 and ask for Dermot Lynch at extension 5479 or Jimmy Carrigan at extension 5302.

DON'T SUFFER ALONE - PLEASE COME ALONG