Clinical psychology (older people’s service)
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About the service
Our team consists of three clinical psychologists working with older people across the Wakefield area.
We work closely with the Wakefield older people’s service teams and have a psychologist based in each of the Wakefield community mental health teams for older people. Staff also spend time with the Chantry Unit inpatient team on a weekly basis. The team specialise in providing assessment and psychological therapies to older people and provide regular training to other members of staff in psychological approaches.
The third psychologist in the team works closely with the Wakefield memory service, offering a detailed neuropsychological assessment to aid diagnosis (where the presentation is complex) and to provide interventions and help with the management of cognitive and behavioural problems where appropriate.
As the people we see often have specialist needs we offer approaches which are tailored to the needs of the service user, drawing on the latest evidence-based practice to support greater understanding and self-management. Support is offered on both an individual or group basis.
For some people, however, therapy is not what they want or are ready for. Therefore, as part of our assessment process, we work with people to develop a shared understanding of the challenges they face so we can support people to access the help they need.
We also offer consultation, support and training to our professional colleagues to support psychological thinking and inform their clinical work.
Why would someone choose the service?
Referrals to our service are seen as soon as possible. All referrals are dealt with within 18 weeks at the most, with the majority of referrals seen within two weeks.
Our psychologists are well trained and keep up-to-date with the most effective and appropriate treatments and assessments. They put the needs of service users at the centre of all decisions and respect their wishes when delivering care.
People using our service are treated as individuals and are given the utmost dignity and respect during their care. We work closely with service users and where appropriate their family or carers to develop individually tailored care plans and ensure that they are always involved in decisions made throughout their care.
We work closely with other professionals involved in the persons care, enabling joined up coordinated care.
The feedback we receive suggests that people are very happy with the help they receive from our service.
Staff you may meet
- There are many people who work behind the scenes to keep services running and you may meet them in hospital or community settings. They include porters, cleaners, plumbers, electricians, decorators receptionists and secretaries who all work to make sure healthcare settings are kept clean, tidy and safe.
- Receptionists are the first link for many patients and visitors. They often work on their own or with one or two other receptionists, greeting patients as they arrive and check them in. They might also collect patient notes and ensure that these vital records go to the right healthcare professional. In a clinic, they may make appointments and arrange patient transport.