Mid Essex Specialist Psychosis Service
What is psychosis? Why have you been referred to us? Psychosis is general term used to describe a number of symptoms. Some of the symptoms of psychosis include: False beliefs/delusions e.g. paranoia, suspiciousness Hallucinations e.g. experiencing things that are not really there such as voices, smells or seeing things Confused thinking e.g. racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating Changed feelings e.g. mood swings, depression, anxiety Changed behaviours e.g. unable to sleep, poor appetite or over-eating You have been diagnosed with a psychotic illness and have been referred to us for specialist care and treatment to set you on the road to recovery. Our Specialist Psychosis Service is accessed through our Access and Assessment Service. Are there different types of psychosis? Types and groups of psychotic symptoms can lead to a diagnosis and this may include: Bipolar Schizophrenia Psychotic depression Drug induced psychosis Schizoaffective disorder What can cause psychosis? A number of factors can contribute to psychosis including physical, social, psychological, environmental, genetic and trauma experiences. For many people, it is not a single factor that has led to the development of their symptoms and is often a series of events and factors that trigger the illness. What will happen after you have had an assessment? Your assessment indicates that you are currently experiencing symptoms of psychosis and may be having difficulty coping with day-to-day living. Some people find their symptoms difficult and frightening and this may cause concerns about your safety. You will be allocated a named professional who will be responsible for co-ordinating your care. They will work with you to develop a full care plan that describes the type of support you will receive and from whom. We will give you a copy of this for you to keep and refer to. You will have the opportunity to review your care plan on a regular basis. We will send a copy to your GP and inform them of any significant changes in your care. Where will you receive care? This may be in the community, at home or in a clinical setting whichever is seen as beneficial to your recovery. The emphasis is on you having a choice in achieving your recovery goals. These will be jointly agreed with you, your family and the professionals involved in your care. Some people who are very unwell may need either intensive treatment at home or a short stay in hospital. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. You and your family or carer also have the right to be fully involved in your care and treatment. Please ask us questions if there is anything you do not understand or need further clarification. How often will appointments be? Appointments will be jointly agreed with you, your family and our team, depending on the level of support that you require. 2 3
What happens at appointments? At every appointment we will want to spend time finding out how you are, and may also provide some treatment. How long is your care expected to last? The level of support we provide is likely to change over time depending on your progress. It is important to remember that everyone is different and the speed of recovery will be unique to you. Is support available to your family or other people you care about? There may be someone close to you, a family member or a friend, who you think is important to involve in your care. We will offer that person an assessment to see if there are things that we could be doing to support them to be in the best position to help you to recover. What types of people could be involved in your care? Our professionals have a mix of different skills and come from different disciplines. They will ensure you get the care you need from the right person at the right time. You will see one or more of the following, depending on your individual needs: Community Psychiatric Nurses Psychiatrists Psychologists Associate Practitioners Support Workers Employment Specialists Social Workers Occupational Therapists What kind of care and treatment can you expect? Your care and treatment will be guided by the best available evidence of what works. You will receive a package of care and treatment based on your mental, social, physical and emotional needs. We are focused on recovery and getting the right outcomes for you. Where care can be provided by another service or agency, we will ensure a smooth handover. The types of treatment you receive may include: Medication, closely monitored and reviewed Talking therapies including group support Physical health promotion Clozaril medication monitoring Coping strategies and psychoeducation Out of normal office hours, please call our Trustline: Psychosocial therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), hearing voices work and drug misuse Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) - a treatment to help someone regain control of their mood and functioning Art, music or drama therapy 0330 726 0130 4 5
Who do we share your records with? We have a legal duty to keep your information confidential, but we may need to share information about you with other healthcare providers to give you the best possible care. There may be circumstances when either you or someone else might be at risk of significant harm. There might be a legal reason for us to share information about you and we may need to discuss how you are feeling with your carer or family member. If you object to us sharing your information with your GP or other Braintree Rayne Rd B1256 London Rd A120 High St Bocking End healthcare providers, please tell a member of staff. You may be seen by a number of staff within the Trust and may be transferred from one Trust service to another. The information you give to us will be available to everyone involved in your care within Trust services. We cannot give other organisations (eg housing departments, voluntary sector providers, education services) information about you without your consent. B1256 How to find us Shopping Centre A131 A120 Helpful numbers and websites Trustline 0330 726 0130 Samaritans For those experiencing despair, distress or suicidal feelings 0845 790 9090 www.samaritans.org MIND 0300 123 3393 www.mind.org.uk Rethink 01245 259478 www.rethink.org Citizens Advice Bureau 03444 111 444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk Relate, the relationship people 0300 100 1234 www.relate.org.uk FRANK Confidential drugs information and advice 24 hrs a day 0300 123 6600 www.talktofrank.co.uk Drinkline National Alcohol Helpline Confidential alcohol counselling & information service 0300 123 1110 Age UK 0800 169 6565 www.ageuk.org.uk Action for Family Carers 01621 851640 www.affc.org.uk Our opening hours Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm We aim to be flexible where we can. Please discuss your needs with a member of staff. Our address 17 The Gables Bocking End Braintree CM7 9AE Your appointment may be here, at another local clinic or even in your home. Your appointment letter will tell you. Our phone number 01376 522300 Feedback We welcome any suggestions you may have. We also would want to hear any concerns, or indeed compliments, you may have about your care. Please discuss with a member of staff. 6 7
Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) If you have any issues or concerns please contact... Stapleford House 103 Stapleford Close Chelmsford Essex CM2 0QX Open: 9.30am 4.30pm Monday - Friday Tel: 01245 546433 Email: pals@nepft.nhs.uk My Details My named professional: Phone number: I have a copy of my care plan My personal emergency contact name and number: Service user and carer involvement We value the views and input of our service users and carers. To get involved, email: getinvolvedinmid@nepft.nhs.uk or talk to a member of staff collaboration keep it simple excellence humanity commercial passion Other formats and languages If you need this information in other formats and languages please email your request to enquiries@nepft.nhs.uk or telephone 01245 546433 The information in the leaflet was valid at the date of production April 2015 and is due for review in April 2016. FOI no: 031503 8