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Objective: Managing mental health patients during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a global challenge. Current workforce arrangements tend to separate those skilled in caring for highly infectious medical patients from those whose specialism is in managing co-morbid mental health, substance misuse and/or behaviours of concern, including potential non-compliance with community or health care directives. This paper reports an innovative service development through the emergency establishment of a temporary COVID-positive mental health ward in response to a local outbreak in Melbourne. Method: A case study of service reorientation is presented, examining barriers and enablers to effective care of co-morbid mental illness, addiction and COVID-19. Results: Establishing a skilled multidisciplinary workforce across mental health and infectious disease is the most important consideration in optimising care. Other issues included suitable physical space, security arrangements and inter-disciplinary communication. Conclusions: The paper holds insights for managing mental health care during potential future infectious disease outbreaks across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objectives of this paper are to provide an overview of recovery-focused models of care and discuss the implementation of the Strengths Model at St. Vincent's Mental Health Melbourne (SVMH), Victoria, Australia. Conclusions: The implementation of the Strengths Model at SVMH is discussed with particular emphasis on the process of implementation, service implications, practical challenges and dilemmas that have arisen, and proposed evaluation. Recovery-focused care is feasible and can enhance current practice of mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: COVID-19; face covering; masks; mental health; psychological trauma EN COVID-19 face covering masks mental health psychological trauma 240 241 2 04/12/21 20210401 NES 210401 Dear Sir, Victoria is amidst a significant second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, prompting state government to mandate face coverings when leaving home, with strong police enforcement. The authors work in a 20-bed Victorian inpatient unit, catering specifically to patients with trauma-related conditions. COVID-19, face covering, masks, mental health, psychological trauma. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To review the Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) service in the first six months of the pilot program in a metropolitan Melbourne setting, including a description of: (a) socio-demographic, health and psychosocial stressors of people referred; (b) method of presentation; (c) interventions provided and (d) outcomes measured. Method: A retrospective case file analysis reviewed the first six months of HOPE service operation. Results: Forty people received HOPE service during the study period, 60% female, mean age 35 years (range 17–58). The majority had previously engaged in self-harm (72.5%) or attempted suicide (67.5%). Stressors included social isolation, relationship breakdown, unemployment, financial stress, medical problems, history of mental illness, exposure to family violence and adverse childhood events. Statistically significant improvements occurred in the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) and Session Rating Scale (SRS) following intervention. There were no deaths by suicide during the study period. Conclusion: People referred to HOPE had significant health and psychosocial stressors. Engagement significantly improved subjective well-being and connection with supports. Findings highlighted the need for an integrated clinical and psychosocial model to promote hope and connection in life post suicide attempt. It remains unclear which interventions improved well-being and if this contributes to suicide prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the 2008 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Congress held on May 25-29 in Melbourne, Victoria is presented. Professor James Angus officially opened the Congress with a speech about working in partnerships and the development of the teaching of psychiatry at the University of Melbourne. Professor Ken Kirkby talked about education and learning in psychiatry and opportunities that the College provides in these areas.