The service development for All Saints Hospital in Oldham was initiated by senior clinicians in the field of Mental Health and Deafness. The provision of culturally sensitive services and meeting the requirements of modernising services for Deaf people is at the heart of this unique development.
The Department of Health has recognised the unique needs of Deaf people and the difficulties in providing mental health services that are culturally and linguistically sensitive in mainstream Mental Health Services (Toward Equity and Access DH 2005). The manner in which mental health issues manifest themselves for Deaf people present unique challenges in assessment including diagnosis, Risk Assessments and providing Care Plans.
St George Health Care Group provides a range of treatment and therapies, in culturally and linguistically approachable milieu. The service will provide specialist rehabilitative care and support for independent living enabling Deaf people to live in community settings subject to robust Risk Assessment Management.
All Saints Hospital will attempt to address the above difficulties by providing holistic programmes of care and support for Deaf people with Mental Health needs, through a person centred approach to care delivery. The service will provide the Specialist clinical care within the framework of a Cultural model of Deafness, and a strong emphasis on Risk Management.
All Saints Hospital will provide an inclusive care service which has the expertise to provide high quality care for patients with complex and challenging needs in an appropriate environment