Authors: Area Mental Health Service, Central Sydney Area Health Service
Year: 2000
Event: 2000 TheMHS Awards
Subject:
Type of resource: TheMHS Awards
Award state: NSW
Award level: Silver
Award category: Specialist Service or Part of a Larger Service
Abstract: The Boarding House Team is a specialist, multidisciplinaryteam established in 1995 by the Central sydeny Area Health Service with funding from the NSE State government. Its aim was to improve the quality of life and the access to services for residents of boarding houses, which provides accommodation and support for people with psychiatric and other disabilities. This population numbering 1300 people in 1995 had been neglected and exploited. Problems included inappropriate use of high levels of psychotropic medication, poor physical and dental health, poor nutrition, socila isoltaion and very limited access to helath and community services including case management. The Boarding House Team, functioning in a highly politiscised environment and in context of major economic and regulatory changes to the boarding house industry managed to put in place comprhensive innovative and creative programs. It utilised integrated physical and mental health care, community devleopment approaches and a strong emphasis on rights of consumers. Its work was one of the factors which influenced government to fund major reforms to the boarding house sector and to provide residents of such facilities in NSW with improved and increased care. Description of Facility/Organisation: The Central Sydney Area Health Service (CSAHS) covers nine municipalities in the Inner Western Suburbs of Sydeny. The area has a population of approximately 450,000 people. There are a number of general hospitals, community health centres and a stand-alone psychiatric facility, Rozelle Hospital. The Area Mental Health Service is one of thirteen clinical service streams in Central Sydeny and offers a comprehensive and integrated mental health service. Community Mental Health Centres offering Acute Care Services and case managment are located at Glebe, Redfern, Marrickville, Ashfiels and Cantebury. Community Rehabilitation is offered through four Living Skills Centres throughout the Area.
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