NORTHUMBERLAND EARLY INTERVENTION IN PSYCHOSIS TEAM A Student Information Leaflet Profile of Learning Opportunities Updated December 2011
Introduction: The Northumberland Early Intervention Team (NEIT) is based on government initiatives to ensure that young people with a first episode of psychosis will get the help they need (National Plan for the NHS). This service is part of the wider Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Mental Health Trust and closely linked to existing integrated. The team operates a Hub and Spoke model, i.e., the majority of the Care Coordinators are based within The Greenacre Centre at Ashington with other Care Coordinators working within existing mental health bases in Hexham and Berwick. Team Base: The Greenacres Centre Green Lane Ashington Northumberland NE63 8BL Tel: 01670 844670 Fax: 01670 844611 Email: Joanne.Stobbart@ntw.nhs.uk We operate 9.00am 5.00pm Monday to Thursday, Friday office closes at 4.30pm. The team consists of:- Clinical Lead Consultant Psychiatrist Consultant Clinical Psychologist Clinical Psychologist Community Psychiatric Nurse/Care Co-ordinator (5) STR Worker (2) Team Secretary The service is open to anyone between the ages of 14 35 years, who appears to be experiencing a first onset of major psychotic symptoms e.g. hearing voices, experiencing delusions. The person does not need to have been formally diagnosed (for example with Schizophrenia) in order to be accepted to the service. We work with them over a period of three years known as the critical period. If clients have specific needs which could better be met elsewhere (e.g. learning disability, neurological deficits) then the Early Intervention service will refer them on to other. The service has several aims. The evidence shows that a comprehensive, specialist Early Intervention service can be effective in helping people who are currently having their first episode of psychosis and this is its primary function. However, we also want to make sure that people who are in the early stages of psychosis have their illness detected very quickly. In the past it has been common for people to experience difficulties for up to two years before they are referred to specialist. Receiving effective treatment quickly leads to a better outcome and reduces the risk of them entering into treatment traumatically e.g. Mental Health Act admission. We are happy to offer an assessment to anyone, even if their diagnosis is unclear, but there are clear signs of psychotic difficulties. Some research suggests that people at very high risk of developing schizophrenia, can be prevented from doing so by intervening at a pre-psychotic or prodromal stage, which could include behaviour changes, suspiciousness, odd ideas and physical complaints that can t be accounted for, etc and these could arise for many reasons, such as substance misuse, developmental problems, depression or even just adolescence. For these reasons we will only work with young people who have clear psychotic symptoms.
Placement Information: We currently offer placements to students in Mental Health Nursing and Psychology, it is hoped that as the team develops we will be able to offer the opportunity to other disciplines. The team operates throughout Northumberland County and although your main base will be in Ashington, students are actively encouraged to meet and spend time with team members in locality bases in Hexham and Berwick. We occupy part of the ground floor with mobility access, there is a lift to the first floor should this be required. On your first day you will be shown around the building, introduced to members of the team and other occupants of the building. You will become familiar with the fire alarm which is tested on a weekly basis. Throughout the placement time you will be permitted to promote self-learning, access to resources including library and attendance at university. You will be offered a wide range of experiences and be encouraged to participate in all aspects of client care with your mentor and other team members. As meals are not provided, we are close to Ashington town centre where snacks can be purchased for lunch; students may prefer to bring their own from home. We have a kitchen with a microwave, fridge and toaster. We would ask that students contribute to the tea/coffee/juice fund if using these beverages ( 1.50 per month). Directions: There is a bus service from Newcastle which passes close to the Greenacres Centre; the local bus station is approximately ten minutes walk away, from all areas of Northumberland can be accessed there. A map is enclosed however if you have difficulty finding us, please contact the team who will be happy to give clearer instructions. Expectations: We would advise you to make contact with your mentor prior to commencement of your placement in order to arrange a time to meet to discuss any queries. We are aware that students have different learning needs and levels of experience; through discussion with your mentor you will be encouraged to take personal responsibility for your learning experiences and identify steps to enable successful completion of your placement objectives. It is expected that you and your mentor will meet on a regular basis to discuss progress in completing objectives, supervision and to discuss any issues as they arise. Students are required to wear smart/casual dress. Adhere to professional code of conduct or equivalent, showing respect to colleagues, clients and carers met during the placement.
Learning Zones Employment Community Resources Community Teams Youth focussed Early Intervention in Psychosis team Child and Adolescent Mental Health Primary Care Services Local Housing Services Youth Offending Services and Probation In-patient
Learning Opportunities: Key Element Learning Opportunity Learning Resources Assessment Information collection - client interview - family/carer involvement - observation - information from other sources Care Planning Inc. crisis/contingency plan Negotiation service provision Resource information Carer/client need Risk Assessment Communication Skills Record Keeping Care Coordination Liaison Interventions Legislation/Policies Theory Models Health and Safety Risk screening instrument Collating information Disseminating info Promoting engagement Therapeutic intervention Information giving/sharing Clinical & Care Coordination reviews Liaison with carers/professionals Verbal and written Observation/discussion/completion of docs Confidentiality SWIFT/RiO Policies and Procedures Assessment Feedback Philosophy Liaison with a variety of statutory and non statutory Psychosocial intervention Specific int. e.g. anxiety management/low mood/voice hearing Cognitive Behavioural Therapies. Family interventions Liaison with other professionals. Early Intervention Community Assessment Intervention Service Community Substance Misuse Team Assertive Outreach Team Use of tools, measures, models Medication - monitoring - side effects - compliance - administration of depot injection MHA PIG NSF NICE Guidelines for Schizophrenia Policies and Procedures Anti-discriminatory Practice Ethnicity Social Inclusion Social Diversity Personal Lone Worker Policy Fire Regulations Local Procedures