Forensic Services | Southern

Ward 9A is a 13-bed medium secure unit for Otago and Southland consumers who are involved with the justice system and require assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. Clients have either been charged with a criminal offence or alleged to have offended and are known or suspected to have a mental illness, or require assessment and treatment whilst serving a Prison Sentence, or are unable to be managed safely in general mental health services. A full complement of a multidisciplinary team delivers a range of therapeutic services and programmes in this setting. Ward 9A has a strong emphasis on linking consumers with families (whānau) and support persons and reintegration into the wider community.

Location:

Wakari Hospital, Dunedin

Forensic psychiatry deals with the assessment, treatment and long term management of those patients whose mental disorder affects their behaviour to such a degree that they are liable to or have offended against the law.

The team includes:

• Community Support Worker
• Forensic Mental Health Nurse
• Maori Health Advisor (Kaumatua)
• Forensic Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Social Worker

Assessment and treatment:

This is a Mental Health assessment, in conjunction with the client; a treatment plan will be developed to meet their specific needs. 

Support and treatment:

Ongoing support and education will be provided to clients, their family/whanau/care‐givers as well as community organisations.

Discharge:

Regular reviews are held and discharge is planned with the client to ensure that sufficient support is available.

The service provides:

• Initial informal Court reports that include mental state examination and risk assessment.
• Support / guidance on relevant legislation.
• Provide recommendations to the Courts.
• Arrange formal Court reports with the Forensic Psychiatrist. 
• Treatment and follow up in conjunction with Forensic Psychiatrist.
• Support and education to clients and family/whanau.
• Cultural input/consultation.
• Provide liaison, support and education for clients and staff within the Justice system. 
• Liaison and referrals to other agencies, if appropriate, Eg:
  
  • Child and Family Therapy Service
  • Alcohol and Drug Service
  • Psychological counselling
• Liaison with Prison Liaison Nurse for sentenced/remand inmates who require support. 

The service provides:

• Access to Forensic Psychiatrist on weekly basis.
• Mental Health Assessment and Risk Management.
• Access, if appropriate, to a Forensic Social Worker for support and information gathering for family/whanau.
• Arrange court ordered Psychiatric Assessments.
• Treatment and follow‐up in conjunction with the Forensic Psychiatrist.
• Support and education to clients and family/whanau.
• Cultural input/consultation
• Provide liaison, support and education for prisoners and staff within the Department of Corrections.
• Liaise with prison medical staff and letter sent to Medical Officer after each outpatient appointment with the Forensic Psychiatrist. 
• Liaison with prison medical staff and Medical Officer.
• Liaison with other agencies if input for inmate useful i.e. Child and Family Therapy Services, Alcohol and other Drug Services, Psychological Counselling. 
• Liaison with the Court Liaison Service for remand inmates who require our support.
• Relevant documentation in prison medication notes.