We are a national service hosted by NHS Lothian. We are committed to providing specialist support in Scotland for deaf people with mental health problems across Scotland.
What do we do?
We provide a high quality service for people with hearing impairment suffering from a mental disorder. Predominantly, we are a consultancy and liaison service providing the following:
- Advice on local management of deaf people with moderate or severe mental health problems which present challenges in assessment and/or treatment across Scotland
- Assessment and/or treatment of patients at request of or in liaison with local clinicians on an outreach basis
- Advice/assessment of the possible requirement for specialist inpatient treatment
- Provision of training in deaf awareness and deaf mental health issues for mental health professionals.
Pathway
Patient referred to Local mental health services
Clinician assesses need for specialist Input
Referral
Appointment made at regional clinic
Feedback/advice/signposting communicated to patient and referrer
How to Refer?
Referrals can be made in writing and referral forms can be obtained by calling the team administrator on 01506 523 671 or email mhdeafservice@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or by downloading the Scottish Mental Health Service for Deaf People Referral Form
Telephone calls to discuss possible referrals are always welcome.
What happens next?
Patients will be seen by Advanced Nurse Practitioners on an individual basis for assessment of mental state and diagnosis in complex cases.
Specific time limited treatment may be offered.
Support for local teams in providing direct patient care. Advice given regarding further treatment and signposting to local deaf organisations.
Assessment of patients for inpatient treatment in the John Denmark Unit – National Centre for Mental Health and Deafness.
Liaison with inpatient team.
Facilitate and support discharge.
