Emotional support is offered by listening, talking and teaching ways to cope during stressful events. We may teach the young person methods of relaxation that enable them to cope with pain, frustration and anxiety. We may also suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), biofeedback, family counselling and sometimes medication.
We work closely with medical teams and clinicians within the hospital. We may also liaise with community services such as your GP, district nurse, school or other agencies.
Who are we?
We are a team of experienced mental health clinicians. PCLT is a hospital-based service of Whirinaki Child and Adolescent Community Team (based in Springs Road, East Tamaki).
- Dr Paul Vroegop (Child and Adolescent Liaison Psychiatrist/Clinical Lead)
- Dr Kathryn Russell (Clinical Psychologist) - Mon, Wed, Thurs
- Briar Millar (Senior Liaison Nurse) - Tues - Fri
- Marc Bradbury (CAMHS Nurse) - Mon, Tues, Fri
- Rubashnee Naidoo (CAMHS Nurse) - Wed, Thurs
- Kiri Brokenshire (Clinical Social Worker) Tues, Thurs, Fri
What sort of difficulties can we help with?
Being in hospital can be upsetting, confusing and stressful for young people and their whanau. Challenges that we may be able to assist with include:
- Self-harm or suicide attempt
- Adjusting to and coping with being sick or injured
- Coping with pain
- Worry about uncomfortable treatments
- Difficulties with following medical treatment
- Problems with eating/feeding
- Going home when you still feel sick or injured
- Medically unexplained symptoms
- Having to stay in hospital for a long time
- Parental distress
- Grief and loss
- Parenting and family relationship difficulties.
We also provide assessment and may recommend treatment for specific mental health concerns, such as:
- Anxiety/fears
- Traumatic stress/PTSD
- Depression
- Alcohol & other drug difficulties
- Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder.
If ongoing treatment or support is needed we will link you with community services.
Who do we see?
We see children, young people and their whanau who are Middlemore Hospital inpatients in:
- Kidz First Wards
- Adult Medical and Surgical Wards (including ICU), Middlemore Hospital (ages 15 to 18 years)
- The National Burns Unit (up to age 18 years)
- Emergency Department (up to age 18 years)
We also see some outpatients with chronic medical conditions by arrangement.
We can see families with interpreters, or Maori or Pacific Island support.