Mount Carmel Hospital : enhanced financial efficiency underpins community mental health services

Abstract

For each individual, mental, physical and social health are vital strands of life that are closely interwoven and deeply interdependent. As understanding of this relationship grows, it becomes ever more apparent that mental health is crucial to the overall well-being of individuals, societies and countries. However, unfortunately, mental health problems are still plagued with stigma and discrimination. The provision of mental health care within the community encourages the social re-integration of people suffering from mental health problems, whilst concurrently increasing awareness of the rights of these patients. The two-fold objective of community-based services is to provide patients with service closer to their homes, by treating them away from the psychiatric hospital. The raison d'etre of Mount Carmel Hospital is the provision of mental health treatment. In line with modern psychiatric trends, Mount Carmel Hospital is striving hard to provide this treatment within the community. This study outlines the financial requirements of introducing such services and identifies possible sources of finance. Potential synergies with community-based agencies are also pinpointed as these could assist in the running of these community mental health services. This dissertation concludes by offering recommendations which can ensure the successful implementation of these services.