Mental health service for older people (MHSOP)
Our mental health service for older people provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to older people with mental health needs. We have both community based and inpatient services.
Contact us
You can contact the Porirua community team by:
- phone: 04 978 2841
- email: OlderpersonsCMHT@mhaids.health.nz
Contact the Hutt Valley community team by:
- phone: 04 570 9907
- email: OPMH@huttvalleydhb.org.nz
Contact the Porirua inpatient ward by:
- phone: 04 978 2863
- email: OlderpersonsCMHT@mhaids.health.nz
Where to find us
We are located at:
Te Whare Ra Uta
Kenepuru Community Hospital
16 Hospital Drive (off Raiha Street)
Porirua
There are 2 car parking spaces reserved for visitors. There are often other available parking spaces nearby.
Services we provide
Most of our services are provided in the community. We also have a 16-bed specialist inpatient unit.
The MHSOP team provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for:
- older people who have developed a mental health condition
- people with complex behavioural and psychological difficulties associated with dementia who need a short stay in a hospital environment so their needs can be assessed.
Our team includes:
- nurses
- doctors
- occupational therapists
- psychologists
- social workers.
Some people with complex mental and physical health needs may need to be cared for by more than one specialist service. In this case, our service will work closely with other service providers to provide the range of care needed.
What you can expect from our service
Inpatient unit
When you are admitted to our inpatient unit, you will meet your:
- primary nurse
- associate nurse.
You will usually also be assessed by the medical staff on the day of your admission. You may be assessed again as needed during your stay.
Your treatment and care is provided by our wider team of mental health professionals.
The team works closely with whānau and other health care service providers involved in your care. We will work with you, your whānau and other health services to plan your discharge from the unit.
All staff in our unit wear identification badges. You can ask them about their role.
Visiting hours
Visiting hours are 10am to 8pm every day. You can phone us to arrange a time outside these hours. Ask to speak to the nurse in charge.
Visits by whānau and friends are encouraged. Maintaining social contacts plays a positive role in a person's recovery. Some areas of the ward may have restricted access — ask the nurse if you are unsure.
You cannot smoke anywhere in the ward or on the grounds.
Referral information
You will usually be referred to our community service by your GP or other healthcare provider.
Inpatient referrals are usually made by our community mental health team or by a general hospital.
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