REPORT ON THE SESSION ON PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION IN AUSTRALIA- WHAT WORKS

On the 3rd of December the Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal organized a special session on “Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Australia: What Works?” by Mr Lloyd Brennan, Nurse Manager and Specialist in Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Australia, at the Conference Hall, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal.

December 05, 2015

Mr Lloyd Brennan has nearly 50 years of experience in the field of Psychiatry and Rehabilitation. He developed Community Mental Health Services and Psychiatry Residential Services and worked as Nurse Unit Manager for the same. Mr Lloyd Brennan is in India as invited by Dr Naveen Chandra, who is the Director and Chief psychiatrist of NITTE Rural Psychiatry Center. Mr. Lloyd Brennan was accompanied by two of his nursing colleagues Ms Jennifer and Ms. Elaine during his visit to Manipal College of Nursing.
At the onset Dr Blessy Prabha Valsaraj, In-charge HOD and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychiatric Nursing welcomed the speaker and introduced Mr Lloyd Brennan to the audience.  

Mr. Lloyd Brennan explained the concepts, issues and implementation of psychosocial rehabilitation in Australia. During his talk, he put forth the illustration of the Wheel model of wellness and its application in the Rehabilitation services. The comprehensive wellness wheel includes twelve essential aspects of Rehabilitation such as patient, medication, psycho education, housing, structured day, socialization, holidays, spirituality, encouragement, family and friends, diet and exercise. He explained the aspects specifying the nurse’s role for each aspect.
After the session, the floor was open for discussion where in the various mental health professionals exchanged their views on the cultural differences and implementation of Rehabilitation Services in India and Australia. Dr Judith A. Noronha, Associate Dean of Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, Dr Kasturi R Adiga, Principal of School of Nursing, HODs of various departments, faculty and students from Department of Psychiatry and Department of Psychiatric Social Work, Kasturba Medical College and Occupational Therapy of Manipal School of Allied Health Sciences and faculty and MSc Psychiatric Nursing students of Manipal College of Nursing Manipal also attended the session.