Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Mental health assessment and treatment

Regions

Waikato

Age Groups

Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services

Referral Process

Referrals are accepted from all sources. However, we prefer the involvement of the General Practitioner, to help rule out any physical reasons that may be contributing to changes to the individual being referred.
 Most referrals will be initially assessed in their place of residence by a community mental health nurse, consultant or registrar, or at our clinic at Waikato Hospital, 214 Pembroke Street, Hamilton, Level B1, Older Persons and Rehabilitation Building, Waikato Hospital.

Description

This service is for:

• Adults from the age of 65 with significant mental health problems, that can’t be managed solely at Primary Care.
• People who have a mental health history and have not had any contact with Adult Mental Health Services in Waikato within the last year and are 65 or over. If people have been seen by Adult Mental Health Services in the past year, referral is redirected to that treating team.
• Adults of any age with an established diagnosis of dementia, complicated by significant behavioural and psychological symptoms.

People with uncomplicated dementia with significant physical assessment requirements should be referred to the Older Persons and Rehabilitation Service.

People with acute confusional states (delirium) should be referred to general medicine or the Older Persons and Rehabilitation Service.

We don't do capacity assessments. These are to be done by the person's GP.

Outpatient clinics are located at 214 Pembroke Street, Hamilton, Level B1, Older Persons and Rehabilitation Building, Waikato Hospital.

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Hospital inpatient unit

Regions

Waikato

Age Groups

Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

GP, DHB clinical services

Referral Process

Most referrals will be initially assessed in their place of residence by a community mental health nurse, consultant or registrar. 

Description

Ward OPR1 is located at 214 Pembroke Street, Hamilton, Level B2, Older Persons and Rehabilitation Building, Waikato Hospital.

Programme Areas

Crisis / acute, Mental health

Programme Type

Intake / assessment

Regions

Waikato

Age Groups

Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services

Referral Process

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm contact the Mental Health Service for Older People team.

Out of hours, the Crisis Assessment and Home Treatment Team (CAHT) can be contacted on 0800 50 50 50.

Description

Mental Health Service for Older People aims to provide an urgent response to all patients over 65 years Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. This service is often provided in conjunction with the Crisis Assessment and Home Treatment Team.

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Mental health assessment and treatment

Regions

Waikato

Age Groups

Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

GP

Referral Process

There is an expectation that the Map of Medicine Midland Regional Dementia Pathway will have been used prior to referral to specialist services.
 
Entry Criteria:
People with a primary complaint of objective/observed non-rapid progressive cognitive impairment, unexplained by a pre-existing medical, surgical or psychiatric condition, with a complexity that requires Specialist assessment. i.e.
 
a) A multi-disciplinary approach to assessment is needed. AND/OR
b) The person meets at least one of the following ‘Red flag’ criteria on the Midland Regional Dementia Pathway.
a.   Less than 65 years old
b.   History of head injury now presenting with progressive cognitive impairment
c.   Culture and/or language is a barrier to assessment by Primary Care.
d.   Major Psychiatric disorder. (An assessment by Mental Health Services may be requested prior to acceptance of the referral.)
e.    Major Personality change
f.    Atypical cognitive decline
g.   Strong family history of neurodegenerative disorder
 
Exclusion Criteria:
 
1. People with a confirmed intellectual disability: Refer to the Intellectual Disability Dual Diagnosis Service (IDDDS).
 
2. People currently abusing alcohol or drugs without commitment to change.
 
3. A referral to Neurology is more appropriate for
a) People younger than 50 years old  AND/OR
b) Where there are new or unexplained neurological symptoms e.g. abnormal gait and/or movement disorder.

Description

Provision of assessment and diagnosis, treatment and advice to people, of any age, suffering from a non rapid progressive cognitive impairment.