Pegasus Mental Health Service recognised for cross-sector collaboration
The Pegasus Mental Health Service continues to be well integrated into General Practice.
In the last year, the service received about 5000 referrals, averaging 110 per week from General Practice. About 65 per cent of these patients were women aged between 40 and 50 years, with a primary presentation of anxiety and/or depression.
Cerina Altenburg, Service Leader Primary Care Mental Health Service says most people are seen by the Mental Health Service within three weeks of being referred by their GP. This includes BIC (Brief Intervention Coordination) appointments, for psychological support, which continue to be in high demand.
An increased number of requests for mental health services has also been generated by workers involved in the Christchurch rebuild. “We’ve seen a noticeable increase in the number of migrant workers seeking support, who are not enrolled with a General Practice,” Cerina says. “They come to the 24 Hour Surgery for their care, so we have set up a mental health clinic as part of the package of services we provide.”
A highlight for the mental health team last year, was the recognition of their collaboration with the Emergency Department and Richmond Services Ltd, in exploring how frequent attenders to the ED with mental health issues, could be better supported in the community. The initiative was awarded Highly Commended at the 2014 Canterbury DHB Quality Improvement and Innovation Awards.
“As a result of the initiative, many patients have been re-connected to General Practice as their Health Care Home, rather than accessing ED for their non-acute health needs,” Cerina says.
This year saw the operational management of the Pegasus Mental Health Service being transitioned to “Direct to Patient Services” under the managerial umbrella of the 24 Hour Surgery.
24 Hour Surgery Operations Manager Claire says she sees another big year ahead for the Mental Health Service Team. “There is certainly plenty of demand out there but we’re fortunate to have an outstanding team of dedicated people to deliver the service.”
A case study from our Mental Health Service - Jason's story
Jason* (24) had travelled to New Zealand from England with a friend to work on the Christchurch rebuild.
He presented to the 24 Hour Surgery saying he had headaches, a sore neck, general tiredness and malaise, which had resulted in him not going to his job as a builder’s labourer. He also complained of “not feeling right”, after smoking marijuana about a month before and having a panic attack.
Jason was particularly concerned about feeling disorientated, preoccupied, nervous, not wanting to be alone and physically unwell. He had googled his symptoms and came with up psychosis as a diagnosis, which had added to his worries.
After the clinical team at the 24 Hour Surgery had excluded any physical health concerns, he was referred for psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Jason was able to be seen promptly by a Mental Health clinician at the 24 Hour Surgery for free. A mental health status evaluation was undertaken to explore his psychiatric history and family history; investigate the possibility of a serious psychiatric diagnosis; and offer treatment and support as quickly as possible.
Although there were no symptoms that suggested a psychotic disorder, Jason had been under a lot of stress as a result of leaving home; had taken psychoactive substances; was at an age when psychotic illness can present; and had a family history of psychiatric illness.
He was seen for five appointments and it was thought that he had a mild anxiety disorder that was beginning to impact on his ability to function and work. As a result, he was provided with some strategies in cognitive behavioural therapy that have been successful. He has also significantly reduced his alcohol intake and no longer takes drugs.
If a Mental Health clinician had not been available to Jason in a community setting he would have been referred to another agency such as the Emergency Department or Specialist Mental Health Services. Or he would have presented to these services in an acute state. The delay to be seen as a non-emergency referral is many weeks.
Instead, Jason received high quality care in a timely manner. He was also provided the gold standard of treatment for free. An effective and efficient use of health resources.
* Jason’s name has been changed to protect his privacy.