Improving emergency care for mental health patients at WWBH
Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) today endorsed the recommendations directed to the Chief Executive by the Coroner at the inquest into the tragic death of Wagga Wagga Base Hospital (WWBH) mental health patient Justin Berkhout.
“The Area Health Service commits to further mental health risk assessment education of all Emergency Department (ED) staff, ongoing audits to ensure policies and procedures are implemented and a review of the implementation of the recommendations of the Root Cause Analysis in October next year,” Chief Executive Heather Gray said.
Ms Gray today reaffirmed her expression of sympathy to Justin’s family and friends for their loss.
“We welcome and appreciate the Berkhout family’s kind offer today to continue to work with us to improve the care and safety of mental health patients,” Ms Gray said.
Ms Gray said since Justin’s death, WWBH had implemented a range of improvements for the treatment of mental health patients in Emergency Department (ED).
“GSAHS undertook an extensive investigation into Justin’s death and all of the recommendations have now been implemented,” she said.
New strategies implemented include:
• Early referral to mental health services for treatment and management;
• Enhanced clinical support with the introduction of the Mental Health Emergency Care Support Centre to provide 24 hour specialist assessment and care planning;
• Establishment of a clinical networking relationship between WWBH ED and St Vincent’s Hospital ED, Sydney.
• Appointment of a full-time Clinical Nurse Educator in the ED
• Regular audits of the ED for environmental risk;
• Mental health orientation for new employees and ongoing education and training sessions for all ED staff ;
• Introduction of a Mental Health Assessment Guide for all ED staff;
• Consistent and effective verbal and written communication;
• Establishment of an ED Mental Health Liaison Committee to focus on clinical practice, policies and procedures; and
• Strong leadership to drive cultural change, including the recent appointment of a Director of Emergency Services.
Ms Gray said all improvements are audited quarterly and supported by the Mental Health Liaison Committee, policies, procedures and new documentation requirements.
“Medical, nursing and administration staff are working together to support the hospital’s initiatives and recognise the benefits for mental health patients and their families,” she said.
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