Kensington Centre

Our community mental health team is located at the western end of the Kensington Centre. The team of health professionals helps people with moderate to severe mental illness in their recovery journey.

We operate under the CAPA (choice and partnership approach) model, which gives users more flexible ways to enter the service. We also have a focus on working more closely with the alcohol and drug team under the Co-Existing Problems Programme, ensuring all issues are addressed in a coordinated way.

A major focus of the team is to do the majority of their work in the community, using a strengths-based model of practice. This can take place in your home or in places such as a park — wherever you feel most comfortable. There is also an option to come into the Kensington Centre if that is preferred or necessary.

As well as our registered mental health nurses, social workers and occupational therapists, a small group of mental health support workers are there to support people with practical assistance during this time.

The service for the mental health of older people is based in the Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit (AT&R) within clinical services in the Timaru Hospital main building. Beds are available for people needing intensive assessment and treatment.

The older persons team includes a:

• psychogeriatrician (a psychiatrist specialising in the mental health of older people)
• clinical nurse specialist
• registered nurse
• duly authorised officer (required for admissions by the Mental Health Compulsory Assessment and Treatment Act)

All of the team are skilled in assessing and treating older people. We provide support and recovery assistance on the AT&R and in the community.

The service has easy access to geriatricians (specialist doctors), occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, needs assessment and Lifelinks assessments services, and to non government organisations such as Richmond New Zealand and Victoria House.

The service for the treatment for alcohol and other drugs (AOD) is in the northern wing of the Kensington Centre.

A team of addiction specialists provides assessment and treatment for people experiencing a moderate to severe addiction. The team also provides education on the effects of addictive substances. Treatments may include referral to residential or detoxification services.

The AOD service provides the Timaru Methadone Programme — opioid substitution treatments for people with an opiate addiction. This includes psychiatric support and medical assessment by a general practitioner. Education about the effects of methadone is provided to potential service users before being admitted to the programme.

In accordance with a nationwide focus on the Co-Existing Problems Programme, everyone seen by the AOD service is also assessed for potential mental health issues alongside their addictions. This ensures all challenges to recovery are acknowledged and steps are taken to address them.

The AOD team offers appointments under the CAPA (choice and partnership approach) model, which provides more choice around meeting times and engagement with services.

The infant, child and adolescent mental health (iCAMH) service is in the Kensington Centre. The service provides assessment and treatment for infants, children and adolescents experiencing a diagnosed mental illness.

The team tries to include the whānau (family) in any treatment planning.  The team includes registered nurses, social workers and occupational therapists. Scheduled regular appointments with psychiatrists and psychologists help provide access to full clinical services.

Our health providers also work with community agencies and schools to help with a coordinated approach to recovery for the young person attending our service.

iCAMH offers appointments under the CAPA (choice and partnership approach) model, which offers more choices with meeting times and engagement with services.

The Māori mental health (MMH) service is located in the Kensington Centre. It provides specialist care to people using our services who identify as Māori.

The service assists with the wellbeing of tangata whaiora and their whānau by providing cultural assessments and supporting recovery through the Te Whare Tapu Whā model. The service can also assist tangata whaiora with the process of reconnecting with their whānau, iwi and hapū, if requested.

The team consists of the MMH team manager, a Māori advisor and a dedicated team of Māori mental health workers. They can visit tangata whaiora on the ward and provide whānau support at this time.

A special room in the Kensington Centre (Te Whare Tiaki Mahana) is available for whānau meetings.

Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction (IPMHA) Services provides appointments with health improvement practitioners and health coaches, usually at your healthcare provider — check with yours. They can also contact you by phone, video, text or by arrangement at your home or in the community.

Appointments are 30 minutes and there is no cost for this service. Same day appointments are available on usual clinic days, which may vary between practices.

More information about IPMHA Services in South Canterbury