Page 67 - 2017-2018 Department of Psychiatry Annual Report

Ireland who has a special interest in environment. Mental Health Foundation of Nova
neurocognitive disorders of people Scotia to improve inpatient care and
with intellectual disability has joined • Research project development in resources in the areas of recreation,
the unit and provides lectures in the the area of autism and neurocognitive leisure, and vocation.
department. disorder in individuals with intellectual
disability. As we continue to grow to provide
The team is focusing on a number excellent care for our patients, our
of new initiatives in areas including: • Staff participation in training focus remains on the achievement
improving services for individuals with sessions and webinars about autism and maintenance of wellness within
autism spectrum disorders, education spectrum disorder and strategies for the complex population served by the
and training for staff, developing new positive behavior support. Dual Diagnosis Program, both within
clinic specialties, and welcoming • Developing a specialized clinic for our hospital and in our community.
students to the service.
adults with intellectual disability and Centre for Emotions and
In December 2015, 61 per cent of mental illness with co morbid autism
their inpatient population had a co- spectrum disorder. Health
morbid diagnosis of autism spectrum Other important initiatives to note: The Centre for Emotions and Health
disorder, and in December 2017, 77 focuses on the role of emotions
per cent of the inpatient population • Developing a memory clinic for and psychiatric disorders in health
lives with autism spectrum disorder. patients with intellectual disability and and illness behaviours by training
Their initiatives have considered this a neurocognitive disorder. professionals, treating patients,
prevalence and specific examples research and education. The Centre
include: • Collaborating with innovative provides leading education and
residents and medical students who research in the area of short-term
• Plans for restructuring the inpatient join our team from across Canada for psychotherapy.
unit, Emerald Hall, to reflect their elective coursework.
evidence-based practices for an In the past year the Centre has
autism-friendly physical and sensory • Securing $7850 in funding from the continued to provide leading

Annual Report 2017 | 2018 67