Mentally Disordered Offenders Nursing Options? Any help greatly appreciated

[Darren1905]

Hello All,

My name is Darren and I'm in the midst of researching the options of a career in Australia. I'm dead set on working in Australia - in either Sydney or Brisbane but I'm currently finding it difficult to find information on my speciality of nursing.

I would appreciate (massively), any information or any links someone could provide to the area of working with Mentally Disordered Offenders. I currently work in a Medium Secure Unit that specialises in the assessment and treatment of this client group all who have a diagnosis of a Learning Disability. The IQ determines this diagnosis and very often they are on the cusp of 75 (deemed the borderline of Learning Disability). Many of these clients have a dual diagnosis of a mental health illness (Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis etc).

The reason I'm finding it so difficult to research this is that I can't seem to find services that specialise in this client group. I wondered are these people cared for in general psychiatric services and perhaps I am looking too specifically at the developmental disability aspect?

I said earlier, any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou very much (in advance),

Darren

[Interested Party]

North of Brisbane, there is The Prince Charles Hospital and they have a Medium Secure Unit. The Park, Wacol, South of Brisbane, there's High Secure. Google - Qld Health and check out these areas. The Royal Brisbane & Womens Hosp has Community Forensic Outreach Service.

[Darren1905]

Interested Party:

Thank you very much for that information. I'd searched all over the net for info and your one post gave me more than numerous hours of browsing had.

It sounds like those you mentioned are very close to what I do here in the UK. I'm particularly interested in the Outreach Team.

Thanks again.

Darren

[Interested Party]

Hello Darren

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/rbwh/services/AE/community_forensic_mental_health.asp

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/hospitals/hospital_sites.asp

Above is the link to Community Forensic Mental Health Service and qHealth Hospital Districts (you may already know of this link) You can basically surf the QHealth website ................ enjoy

Forensic services in Qld are still in early stages compared to other parts of Australia and overseas. You'll probably find it somewhat frustrating but look on the good side ..............you don't have to work so hard plus you can make yourself look like the good guy who has all the ideas.

And yes, I work for Qld Health also ....................

IP