St John of God Mount Lawley Hospital.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) paramedicine students will have the opportunity to provide greater support to people living with mental health issues, thanks to a new collaboration with St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital.
It will see paramedic students at the heart of clinical care, where they can gain practical knowledge in treating mental health patients, and also means a team of multi skilled paramedics will conduct the hospital’s patient transports and transfers.
ECU Paramedical Science Course Coordinator Leanne Vance said the relationship with St John of God Health Care will provide an opportunity for students to broaden their skills base, including learning mental health specific documentation and the legal implications of regulations such as the Mental Health Act.
"Having this opportunity to become familiar with the hospital wards and be able to provide a continuity of care for patients will help students' learning journey, and being able to provide that continuity of care is a great benefit for patients," she said.
ECU Placements Coordinator Kelly Deetlefs thanked St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital for giving ECU students such an opportunity.
"Paramedic students have an awareness of mental health-related factors,' Ms Deetlefs said.
"However, I truly believe exposure and actual hands-on experience is what a student needs to gain an understanding of mental health, illness and management of patients.
"I honestly found the environment extremely nurturing to education; the hospital provided such warmth and healthy communication.
"I would love if more of our students could be exposed to St John of God Health Care's perspectives and values."
St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital's older adult mental health service nurse unit manager Rachel Kakoschke said the new relationship presented numerous benefits for the hospital and their patients.
"We have always been a committed supporter of education in healthcare and on-the-job learning means students are far better prepared to provide the highest standard of care when they join the industry," Ms Kakoschke said.
"Through this partnership, the students are receiving exposure to mental health care and other specialties: they've had experience conducting patient observations and monitoring mental wellbeing, participating in multidisciplinary team meetings, completing documentation, assisting patients during activities and meal times, and liaising with family members and carers.
"This real-world experience and knowledge sharing between disciplines will help to create multi-skilled, multidisciplinary health care professionals.
"The collaboration is also creating stronger relationships between St John Ambulance and the hospital, and encourages knowledge of mental health across the healthcare sector: it's not just a speciality, but something that exists everywhere."
