Mental Health Service for Older People

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This service is intended for patients over the age of 65 years. Most referrals will be initially assessed in their place of residence by a community mental health nurse, consultant or registrar. The team also includes social workers, psychologists, and occupational therapists.

Inpatient

13 bed unit, located in Ward 30 at The Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre, Waikato Hospital.

Outpatient

Located at South City Health, 91 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton, Phone: (07) 839 8603, Fax: (07) 839 8737

Crisis Service

The Service aims to provide an urgent response to all patients over 65 years between Monday – Friday 8am–4pm.

This service is often provided in conjunction with the Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team.

Out of hours the Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team may be contacted on: 0800 50 50 50.

Entry criteria

All patients over 65 with a functional disorder unless under care of the Adult Mental Health Service in past year.
All patients with dementias with associated significant psychological and behavioural disorders (BPSD).

Patients with uncomplicated dementia with significant physical assessment requirements should be referred to the Older Persons and Rehabilitation Service (OP&R).

Patients with acute confusional states (delirium) should be referred to General Medicine or OP&R.

Referrals

Referrals are accepted from all sources. However, we prefer the involvement of the General Practitioner using the guidelines for referrals as outlined in the Adult Mental Health Service referral
page.
All referrals are assessed on the content of information supplied and treated accordingly.

URGENT REFERRALS: Contact by phone/person within 24 hours.
SEMI-URGENT REFERRALS: Contact by phone/person within 72 hours.
NON-URGENT/ROUTINE REFERRALS: Contact by phone/person within 1-2 weeks.

Contact information

Clinical Nurse Manager: Fran Marsh
Clinical Director: Dr Colin Patrick

Mental Health Service for Older People
Ground floor, Hockin Building, Waikato Hospital
P.O. Box 934
HAMILTON 3240

Ph: (07) 839 8603
Fax: (07) 839 8737