Mental Health Management in New Zealand
This chapter outlines the approach to mental health care developed and currently being implemented by Pathways New Zealand for reducing disease risk factors in patients treated for mental health problems. Pathways New Zealand was formed in 1989 following the closure of the major mental service facility for the Waikato-Hauraki Region of New Zealand, Tokonui Hospital. Since that time Pathways has grown to a national level service offering services to its clients ranging from 24-hour supported accommodation, through healthy lifestyles programs, to outcomes based services including patient access to and involvement in the management of their medical and personal history data (ICAN). Gavin Cooper, Pathways Housing Management Coordinator for the Waikato-Hauraki Region, in conjunction with the Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC) has developed a holistic system for the treatment of environmentally induced mental illness that includes chemical treatment, exercise programs, self-help training and community support. The results of a two year program of research into the impact of this program are reported on in this chapter, and its suitability for wider adoption discussed. These comments are partly based on research statistics provided by the Centre for Sports Exercise Science (WINTEC) and Mike Dove, Team Leader Residential, Pathways.