Abstract
Specialised rehabilitation units offer inpatient multi-disciplinary rehabilitation for individuals with severe and enduring mental illness. A cornerstone of therapy is the work in the community through further education and community organisations. However, coronavirus restrictions have meant that such external supports are no longer available for the duration of the crisis. This has led to opportunities for developing new ways of offering rehabilitation within hospital environments. This article describes some of the new initiatives developed. The benefits of the lockdown for service users are also discussed. Many found the cessation of visits from family members with whom they had an ambivalent relationship helpful. The lockdown improved relationships between patients on the unit and encouraged a greater feeling of community. The lockdown has also emphasised the importance of team self-awareness and an awareness of the nature of the treatments offered.
Highlights
The National Mental Health Division established placements at Specialised Rehabilitation Units for individuals with severe chronic and enduring mental health illnesses at Bloomfield Hospital, Dublin (HSE Mental Health Services, 2018)
The patients referred to the unit typically have a history of complex treatment refractory psychiatric symptoms and multiple prolonged admissions to acute mental health units
Whilst the majority of the service users have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, all have additional mental health needs and most have a history of complex trauma
Summary
Specialised rehabilitation units offer inpatient multi-disciplinary rehabilitation for individuals with severe and enduring mental illness. Coronavirus restrictions have meant that such external supports are no longer available for the duration of the crisis. This has led to opportunities for developing new ways of offering rehabilitation within hospital environments. The benefits of the lockdown for service users are discussed. Many found the cessation of visits from family members with whom they had an ambivalent relationship helpful. The lockdown improved relationships between patients on the unit and encouraged a greater feeling of community. The lockdown has emphasised the importance of team self-awareness and an awareness of the nature of the treatments offered.
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