Departments
Service Development
- Through our Wraparound scheme we provide better coordinated services for children with complex disabilities.
- An early intervention service has been developed to ensure the early diagnosis and management of children with autism.
- A new mental health out of hours service has been introduced for patients experiencing a crisis outside normal working hours.
- We are committed to developing community pharmacy and dental services
- £4.5 million is being invested hospitals in the Board's area over the next year which will fund more than 70 new posts and over £2million of the funding is going towards the new 32 bedded medical admissions unit at Craigavon area hospital.
New 'Out of Hours' Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service
A new Board-wide Out of Hours' Mental Health Service was launched in September 2002. The aim of this service is to provide a community based response to people experiencing a mental health crisis outside of normal working hours. The new service operates from 5pm to 1am seven days a week and also 12 midday to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. During this period 2 specialist mental health nurses are on duty at any one time covering the Southern Board area.
The nurses provide a rapid response to referrals from GPs. Patients can be seen in their own home, at the GP 'out of hours' base or a local minor injuries unit. This provides an alternative to hospital admission and helps to ensure a more appropriate use of acute inpatient beds.
Launch of the new mental health service from left are Mark Durkan MLA; Dr Frances O'Hagan, Armagh GP; Rt Hon David Trimble MP MLA and Colm Donaghy, Chief Executive, SHSSB |
AUTISM - New Pilot Services For Children
Two new pilot initiatives have been introduced in the Southern Board's area to help children with autism: Early diagnosis To help diagnose autism at an earlier age, an area-wide diagnostic service has been established on a pilot basis at the 'Child Development Centre', Lurgan Hospital. Dr Mina Hollinger, consultant community paediatrician, leads a multi-disciplinary team of specialist professionals including practitioners from the Southern Education and Library Board. Early intervention
Children recently diagnosed with autism are now being provided with intensive input at an early stage by two specialist 'early intervention' therapists. Again, this is in co-operation with specialist practitioners from the Southern Education and Library Board.
The Southern Board hopes to develop the pilot early diagnostic and intervention services further over the coming year.
Children and families can also avail of support provided by PAPA (Parents and Professionals and Autism).
Parents can contact PAPA at: telephone : 028 9040 1729 and on the internet: www.autismni.org.
Dr Mina Hollinger, Consultant Community Paediatrician with 6 year old Rian McGarvey at the new Early Intervention clinic for children with Autism |
