This attachement offers the opportunity to be part of the well organised Thanet mental health for older people team. There are 3 consultants in this multidisciplinary team which include social workers, occupational therapist and CPN’s.
The team is based at the Beacon, Ramsgate, whiles the wards are at the Thanet mental health unit, adjacent to the QEQMH. There is a day Hospital at the TMHU where the once a week out patient clinic is held. The SHO attends weekly team meetings at the Beacon and weekly half day academic sessions at the St Martins Hospital with colleagues in the East Kent Mental Health Trust.
Much of the work is also community based, with home visits around the lovely countryside in the company of the consultant. A significant number of referrals are made to the team from medical and surgical wards at the QEQMH and these are an important source of referrals as well as a significant opportunity to exchange expertise with colleagues. The SHO is expected to carry out duty doctor sessions at the TMHU base.
The SHO works with Dr T.M. Helme, an experienced psychogeriatrican with a GP backround. There is close supervision and support from the hardworking consultant throughout the six month period. The trainee is expected to gain understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of functional and organic psychiatric disorders in older adults.
The trainee should become confident with the management of psychiatry patients in general and should become familiar with drug and ECT treatments used, as well as appreciate the importance of multidisciplinary approach to managing older adults with mental health problems.
Written by Dr J.Boachie VTS Trainee March 2006
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