The West Coast District Health Board is changing mental health rehabilitation services on the West Coast to encompass a broader range of services to meet the diverse rehabilitation needs of service users.
The West Coast District Health Board undertook a comprehensive review of Mental Health Rehabilitation services in 2003 with consultation that included current service providers and service users. Recommendations from the review included the need for increased peer support services, and a broadened focus of day activity services on skill building, education and employment opportunities, including supported employment services.
Late in 2008, the West Coast District Health Board sought Expressions of Interest (EOI) for mental health service proposals for the provision of:
Currently, centres in Hokitika, Greymouth, Reefton and Westport provide activity programmes and drop in centre services. Other government agencies also provide services on contract for other client groups at the activity centres
Short-listing from the EOIs was completed and the selected providers were then invited to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP).
The RFPs received propose a wide range of options for service delivery. Some of the RFPs received were for the provision of both Peer-led Activity and Living Skills Services and Education and Employment Support Services, while others were for the provision of one of these services.
The RFP panel has selected Te Ara Mahi as the 'preferred provider' for the provision of Education and Employment Support Services. Te Ara Mahi have been contracted to have these services up and running by July 2009.
The RFP selection process for the Peer-led Activity and Living Skills Services is scheduled for completion by the end of May 2009.
In March 2009 the West Coast District Health Board asked the Coast Care Trust (CCT), the current service provider, to continue to operate the activity programmes and drop in centres to service users for an additional six months to enable the completion of the RFP process while maintaining service.
The Board has maintained funding to CCT beyond the current contract expiry date, to ensure stability of service during the transition to a new service provider.
Change processes, even when they are about process improvement, prompt a natural human reaction of interest, concern and on occasions, anxiety. The West Coast District Health Board is taking a careful and balanced approach to changes in service delivery in the belief that we can improve on the type and range of services for mental health service users living on the Coast. The Board is fully committed to ensuring that any change is ultimately in the best interest of those needing ongoing care and support.
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: