Mental Health Access Centre
Who are we
The Mental Health Access Centre provides a single point of contact for urgent and non urgent new referrals, consultation, liaison and education regarding mental health.
For crisis and non urgent referrals, consultation, information and advice about mental health Free Phone: 0508 432 432
The service is available to all people and their whanau/family living in the Wairarapa region.
Our Philosophy
Maximising recovery for each person
Minimising the effects of mental illness by ensuring effective clinical responses
How to Contact Us
Free Phone: 0508 432 432 for queries regarding mental health issues, eligibility for Mental Health Services and advice.
Monday to Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm you will connect directly with the Mental Health Access Centre. If there is another caller on the line, you may be asked to leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
After Hours (including public holidays) dial the same freephone number, and the hospital coordinator will connect you to the on-call mental health clinician.
Pager: The Clinical Co-ordinator is available by pager through the free phone for urgent mental health crisis.
Email: mhaccess@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz
Clinical queries may be emailed to the Access Centre and will be responded to by a mental health clinician, or a psychiatrist, within 24 working hours.
Child, Adolescent Mental Health Service (up to 18 years) accepts referrals and queries directly to Phone: (06) 946 9808 or Fax: (06) 946 9849.
Alcohol and other Drug referrals and queries go directly to Wairarapa Addiction Service. Phone: (06) 377 3156 8.30am - 5.00pm.
About Our Team
Clinical Co-ordinator (qualified mental health clinician with extensive experience in acute and non acute mental health) provides:
- oversight of all Access Centre contacts and referrals
- general mental health information, education and advice
- mental health clinical consultation and liaison for Primary Health Care providers and the Masterton Hospital Services regarding mental health assessment and treatment.
Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team - CATT - (qualified mental health clinicians experienced in crisis response) provides
- psychiatric emergency services 24 hours / 7 days per week for adults, adolescents and children.
- short term follow up for people who will have a only brief contact with the service
Services we provide
The Mental Health Access Centre (MHAC) provides a single point of contact and entry to the Mental Health Service/Te Taha Hinengaro for Maori and non-Maori adults, children, young people and their whanau/ families living in the Wairarapa region.
Your rights
When you use our services you are protected by a number of rights. Our staff will provide you with information about your rights during your contact with us.
If you feel we have not respected your rights you can take your concern or complaint to:
- The Team Leader of the Mental Health Service you are using;
- The Wairarapa DHB Quality & Risk Manager - phone (06) 946-9880 or
- Health and Disability Commissioner's Office. They respond to concerns and complaints related to the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer’s Rights - (0800) 11-22-33. See Advocacy Network Service.
- Privacy Commissioner - Privacy Hotline enquiries (0800) 803-909
Information about your healthcare
We maintain the policy that your personal information is held in confidence. Information collected about you will be used for:
- Monitoring and providing ongoing healthcare for you;
- Training of health professionals;
- Health research in a manner which does not reveal your identity;
- Administration;
- Sharing with your primary health provider (usually your GP) on discharge from the service, unless you specifically request that we do not send them any information;
- Any purposes directly related to any of the above or to prevent or lessen any serious or imminent threat to your life or health or that of another individual, or to public health or safety;
- Release where we are legally obliged to do so.
Teaching hospital
WDHB - Masterton Hospital is a teaching hospital, and some of the health professionals you meet will be in training. You have the right to decline student involvement, and this will not prejudice your care in any way.
Advocacy & support services you can use
Te Whare Atawhai (Consumer Drop-in Centre)
Provides advocacy, support and links to other consumer networks/social activities.
186 Chapel Street, Masterton
Phone: (06) 370-8993
Advocacy Network Services
This service provides Maori, non Maori and Pacific Island advocates - who will offer you support and advice regarding any concerns or questions you may have about our rights when using health services.
PO Box 2116, Masterton
Phone: (06) 370-8870
SF Wairarapa - Mental Illness Family Support
Offers support and advocacy to families and whanau of people experiencing any major mental illness.
323 Queen Street, Masterton
Phone: (06) 377-0278
All services are free and cover the Wairarapa region.