CPO Mental Health Updates New Process – Declined Referrals We have changed our process for patients who are referred for counselling but declined due to lack of funding. Previously, GPs would be informed the referral was declined and it was the responsibility of the GP to advise their patient of this situation and other options for support. Since September, we have been directly contacting affected patients by phone, advising them of the situation, providing information on other options for support, brief intervention as required and facilitating referral to other services if indicated. The patient is also given the option of being copied into the GP letter advising of the declined referral. The patient’s letter includes information on relevant community/online resources. This work is carried out by either the Programme Lead or an experienced Mental Health Nurse whom we have recruited to assist in this process. This process ensures that all those referred for service receive some level of intervention and are aware of the outcome of their referral.
Waiting Times for Service As you are all probably aware, the past year has been difficult for many in our community, with COVID-19 impacting negatively on mental health. This has resulted in high levels of referrals for individual counselling, people taking longer to finish their sessions as they wait for face-to-face appointments, and patients requiring extra sessions due to levels of distress. Please be aware that our providers are all currently at capacity and we are running a waitlist for both adults and youth referred. Many people referred in the last month will not be seen before Christmas. The CPO Programme Lead is actively recruiting new providers to mitigate this situation, but these processes can take some time.
Urgent Referrals – Refer to DHB Crisis Team only We continue to receive referrals requesting Urgent Counselling. Please note - this is not something that we can facilitate. If your patient requires Urgent support, please refer to the Community Mental Health Crisis Team. You can contact the Crisis team by phone on: 0800 800 508 Referrals can be emailed to the Crisis Team at: mhcrisis@bopdhb.govt.nz This email address is monitored 24/7.
Age Range: 12+ only In recent weeks we have received several referrals for children aged under 12 years, please be aware we can only accept referral for those aged over 12 years. For children under this age who are experiencing mental health difficulties you may be best to discuss their presentation with the Child Team at Infant Maternal Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (ph. 579 8380 press 1) ask for the intake clinician. They will be able to assist you in identifying the best service for your young patient to receive support.
GP Survey – CPO Referral System In the next week we will be sending out a brief survey to GP’s, we are keen to have your feedback on the current referral process and ideas for altering this, feedback regarding treatment outcomes and therapy options. Please keep a look out for this in your inbox, we look forward to receiving your responses.
7th December 2021