Service Overview

Our service caters for people living in the Kildare/West Wicklow catchment area. The area is divided into six sector areas. Each sector area has a specialist Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) which includes:

• Consultant Psychiatrists
• Psychiatric Registrars
• Nursing Staff
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Occupational Therapists
• Administration staff

We also have a specialist team for Mental Health Rehabilitation & Recovery and a Psychiatry of Later Life team.

Our Aim

We aim is to promote, restore and maintain the mental health and wellbeing of the people referred to our service. We work to:

• Provide a person centred service that is recovery orientated, safe, respectful and caring to people from all cultures
• Enable service users and their carers/families to understand their illness and to find ways to deal with individual mental health difficulties
• Provide support and advice to and their carer/families
• Work with voluntary organisations and community agencies
• Provide training to mental health professionals including nursing, occupational therapy & medical students
• Provide treatment in line with best practice and in accordance with internationally recognised standards

Admission

Admission to Lakeview is through a number of pathways;

1. Following a mental health assessment in Naas General Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED)
2. Transferred from another ED in the country
3. Direct Admission from one of our community mental health teams
4. Involuntary admission under the Mental Health Act (2001)

On arrival an assessment takes place. It involves members of the multi disciplinary team. We create a personalised plan for our patients based on their needs. We involve the patients family/carer/supporter (with consent) when planning their care.

If you have been brought into hospital under the Mental Health Act 2001 you shall be informed about what that means for you. A Consultant Psychiatrist will meet you within 24 hours of your admission. You will be provided with a Mental Health Commission information booklet to help you understand your rights.

The Mental Health Commission will refer your case to a Mental Health Tribunal. A tribunal is an independent review to ensure your rights are protected. A legal representative will be assigned to you at no cost. They will visit you and help you prepare for the tribunal. The tribunal is held within 21 days of your admission. Information about the Mental Health Act 2001 is available in Lakeview Unit. Nursing staff will help you with any questions you may have. Further information is available on the Mental Health Commission website

In Lakeview Unit the therapy department on level 2 provides a recovery orientated therapy programme. It includes a daily schedule of various therapeutic and recreational activities. Service users can take part if it suits their needs.

In line with current legislation Lakeview Unit is a no smoking area. There is a designated smoking area on level 1 in the courtyard garden.

Restrictions

FOR SAFETY REASONS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS MUST NOT BE BROUGHT INTO HOSPITAL

• Illegal drugs or Alcohol (or any other illicit substances)
• Sharp objects, knives, scissors etc.
• Weapons of any kind
• Matches or cigarette lighters
• Cables (mobile phone/laptop charges, headphones) longer than 15cms (about the length of your hand).
• Prescription drugs should be handed up for disposal or sent home.

Visiting Times

Access to Lakeview Unit is on Level 2 in Naas General Hospital. Out of hours access can be made via Level 1. Visiting times Monday to Friday are from 1pm-2pm and 5pm-8pm. Weekend visiting is from 1pm-8pm.

Visiting outside of these times must be discussed with the Nurse in Charge.

Mental Health Commission

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) is an independent body who promote, encourage and foster high standards in Mental Health. Lakeview Unit is an approved centre and is inspected annually. Our inspection reports are available along with more information and printable booklets on the MHC website.