Shine, through experience and research, has identified that in the majority of people affected by schizophrenia need to have guidelines on what exactly they should expect from their mental health service. It is hoped that an understanding of the care process and how they fit into it will not only empower service users but also enhance our health services and underpin the aims of ?equity, quality and accountability?, which are the primary objectives set out by the government in the policy document ? Shaping a Healthier Future. All of the following information is available in greater detail in a document entitled ?Guidelines on Good Practice and Quality Assurance in Mental Health Services? published by The Department of Health. This section is intended to give people an insight into the level of service they should rightfully receive. It is important to understand that if your local service is not up to the standards set out in this section then you have the right to complain to your service provider. It is the duty of all service providers to achieve the standards set out in this section.
It may be useful to think of the main elements involved in the delivery of mental health care as?
The Consumer
In the first instance, the person experiencing mental illness. It also includes relatives who very often provide more quantitative input to patient care than professionals and who, in that sense, are part of the mental health team, and finally the wider community.
The Product
Is the highest level of mental health care possible, delivered in a manner which is transparent and informed by clinical practice, audit and research. It should involve the highest possible level of communication between professionals, the person with the diagnosis, family and community, having regard to the rights of all participants in this interaction.
The Setting
This is wherever services are provided, such as in-patient units and the full range of community based services. They must be near and accessible to the service user and provided in the least restrictive manner, for appropriate care and treatment.
Consumer Information & Transparency
Introduction and Identification
As a service user you should know the treating consultant and have reasonable access to them and to the members of the multi-disciplinary team. On request, all staff should be available for service users and relatives within a reasonable time.
The Treatment Plan
If you are being treated for schizophrenia or a related mental illness the nature of treatment and medication should be explained to you in language which you understand. Written information should be available on prescribed medication relating to its effects and side effects. You should be given reasonable time to discuss treatment plans and medication with your family if required.
The Partners in Care Approach.
Family members should have the opportunity to discuss a patient?s care and treatment with the consultant and multidisciplinary team subject to the patient?s agreement. Family members should have access to advice and information on all aspects of the patient?s illness, treatment and caring arrangements, if the patient agrees. Relatives should be made aware of their right to complain and their rights of external appeal under mental health legislation.
The Process
Admission to In-patient Care
If you are admitted to hospital all necessary information relating to your stay, including your rights under the Mental Health Act, should be transmitted to you and to your relatives, where appropriate at the time of admission. You should be allocated a primary nurse on admission who is directly responsible for your care.
Clinical Review
During your first few days in hospital you should be clinically reviewed on a daily basis. If you have been admitted involuntarily (i.e. against your will) that status should be changed to voluntary as soon as it is deemed appropriate.
Discharge Before discharge from hospital, the mental health service should ensure that your housing or accommodation arrangements are satisfactory. For family members, you should be made aware of the impending discharge. When you leave hospital a discharge plan should be drawn up which should fully consider and provide for your immediate and long-term needs. Aftercare should be properly co-ordinated and supervised under the general direction of the consultant psychiatrist. You should also be provided with the telephone number of the mental health centre where staff can be contacted. You should be given a brief summary of your medication, it should be confirmed that you have a named GP with contact details to ensure continuity of medication and treatment. Following discharge, a full discharge summary should be sent to the GP and other components of the psychiatric service responsible for follow up.
Out-patient Facilities and Mental Health Centres
Outpatient clinics, day hospitals and day centres should be suitably located for easy access. An appointment system, ensuring that people have a minimal wait for attendance should be in operation in all community facilities. The appointment system should ensure adequate time for consultation with professional staff.
Link Title
Health Service Executive (HSE)
Description
The Health Service Executive (HSE) took over full operational responsibility for running the country's health and personal social services on January 1, 2005.
The International Early Psychosis Association (IEPA) is an international network for people involved in the study and treatment of early psychosis. It provides a forum for members around the world who wish to promote and facilitate best practice in education, research and treatment.
