Reducing Seclusion Project

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By April 17, 2015 No Comments

Authors: West Acute Adult Inpatient Unit, Peninsula Mental Health Service

Year: 2008

Event: 2008 TheMHS Awards

Subject:

Type of resource: TheMHS Awards

Award state: VIC

Award level: Finalist

Award category: Specialist Service or Part of a Larger Service

Abstract: The Reducing Seclusion Project philosophy is to reduce harm to consumers in the inpatient setting. Dedicated staff have developed a strong culture of quality improvement to become a Centre of Excellence in the reduction of seclusion. High rates of seclusion caused trauma to consumers and staff. Problems were identified in the areas of clinical systems, the therapeutic environment and professional development. Through changes in culture, education, leadership, use of data and engagement with consumers, the service has implemented alternative strategies to significantly reduce the rate of seclusion. New policies were implemented to ensure responsibility and accountability for decision making. Sensory activities, comfort rooms and sensory modulation training have led to new ways of managing agitation and distress. Personal safety plans identify the ways care can be focused on what works best for individual consumers. Dynamic and innovative leadership has driven the unit to develop Best Practice and improve consumer and staff safety. Description of Facility/Organisation: The Peninsula Health Psychiatric Service Peninsula Health Psychiatric Service (PHPS) is funded by the Victorian Government; Department of Human Services Mental Health Branch (MHB) to provide clinical mental health services to the catchment area of the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the local government area of Frankston and the former local government area of Chelsea. Peninsula Health services the Southern part of the City of Kingston, the City of Frankston, and the Mornington Peninsula Shire. This catchment area includes both metropolitan and semi-rural areas. The region encompasses approximately 900 square kilometres. Inpatient and community mental health services are provided. The resident population of Peninsula Health's catchment area is just under 300,000 people and expands by about 100,000 each summer season. Peninsula Health Psychiatric Service employs 230 EFT staff and operates within a budget of approximately $22 million per financial year. Peninsula Health currently has 781 active clients.

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