Bed shortage for psychogeriatric patients

ELDERLY Dunedin people with mental health issues have been waiting for months to get specialised treatment due to a serious case of ‘‘bed block’’ in the city.

As a result, the Southern District Health Board is considering sending psychogeriatric patients to South Canterbury and Christchurch.

A report to be presented to the SDHB commissioner’s meeting tomorrow said all three psychogeriatric units in Dunedin — at Ross Home, Leslie Groves Hospital and Yvette Williams Retirement Village — are full.

Psychogeriatric care involves looking after older patients with mental health disorders, or agerelated mental health issues.

The report said 13 people were waiting for a psychogeriatric unit beds, split between the community, other rest homes, and the hospital.

The five hospital patients have waited a cumulative 232 days — ranging from four to 71 days — for a bed. SDHB strategy, primary and community executive director Lisa Gestro said.

‘‘At this time, we will attempt to shift patients to South Canterbury and Christchurch beds,’’ she said.

‘‘We will also consider the role our mental health services for older people nurse practitioners play regarding identifying residents who might be eligible for a change of level of care from psychogeriatric to a lower level.

‘‘This is being actioned as a priority.’’

Grey Power Otago president Jo Millar said the bed shortage was ‘‘appalling but not an unexpected situation’’.

Respite care was very difficult to get in Dunedin, and some psychogeriatric patients had to travel regularly to Balclutha, she said.

‘‘It does not give anyone confidence that the money being spent on meetings, conferences and workshops to ensure elderly care in the future will succeed when we cannot cope with the care and requirements to sustain that in the present situation.’’

Mrs Gestro’s report suggested there would be no easy or early solution to the bed problem.

‘‘None of our current providers are interested in reconfiguring additional beds to psychogeriatric,’’ she said.

‘‘A new build in Taieri will consider this service, but will not open until late 2019.

‘‘Presbyterian Support Southland would consider reconfiguring beds to psychogeriatric in Invercargill, but only with a financial guarantee.’’

Age Concern Otago executive officer Debbie George was encouraged bed block was being actioned as a priority.

‘‘I look forward to seeing progress on these issues for our older southern residents.’’