Partnerships help mental health patients

Ms Morton visited the Mental Health Unit, chatted to patients and staff and met therapy dog Sam, while staff showcased activities organised for patients such as music therapy, relaxation and games.

JHC head of mental health Professor Hans Stampfer praised the partnerships between the hospital and community-based mental health organisations.

“Long-term mental health outcomes for our patients rely heavily on community support following discharge,” he said.

“It is continuity of care that is so important and we can’t do that without the professionalism of many community mental health organisations.”

Mrs Morton thanked staff for their hard work and encouraged everyone to promote the Act-Belong-Commit message – the theme for Mental Health Week 2015 – and help de-stigmatise mental illness.

“Everyone has the ability to adopt the Act-Belong-Commit approach,” she said.