What to expect - Bipolar Education Programme

The programme is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals and includes a clinical nurse specialist, mental health nurse, an occupational therapist, a social worker, psychiatric registrar, and a family therapist.

The programme runs over 13 weeks. It involves two phases. The “Foundation” phase and “Living Well” phase. The “ Foundation” programme runs for one week and is completed before progressing to the “ Living Well” phase. The “Foundation” week consists of 5 days and the following “Living Well” programme involves 1 day a week outpatient attendance over 12 weeks (currently Wednesdays).

The programme involves a series of lectures, group discussions and video presentations. Symptom identification, developing plans to maintain wellness and to prevent relapse, education about treatments and day-to-day coping strategies are key elements of this programme.

Methods used are consistent with current evidence based practice in the field of Bipolar Disorder. Information is taught using a combination of motivational, educational, and cognitive behavioural teaching principles and strategies. The Information is summarised in resource book and educational handouts.

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The atmosphere of the hospital is very bright, cheerful and friendly. The staff are excellent, uniformly helpful without exception and a credit to the hospital

There is a very good atmosphere at St. Patrick's. Communication is very good between patients and staff and should be maintained on an informal basis. Food is very good and is a very good morale booster for everyone. I would like to thank everyone in St. Patrick's for input and kindness while I have been here

I had 10 unforgettable days with prime quality care and facilities. Most of all, I've met really nice people and hopefully not being wrong made some friends. Good work, keep it up

It was a turning point in my life and a good one. I will always have fond memories of my stay here because the overall feeling was of peace.

Today I'm sad as I leave ye all, but the sadness is one that I like, Because after 8 weeks on the bay, it's time for me to take a hike, thanks to all the nurses and students, to the staff in the kitchen and OT's too, to the lovely ladies who clean the ward, to the doctors where a bond we grew.

The Cleaners kept my room beautifully clean and the Temple Centre was spotless. The staff were so helpful and caring and gave me as much time as I needed. All in all I was very well cared for. Thank you very much

Excellent staff have finally helped me overcome my illness with the correct treatment and also using the recovery psychosis programme which opened my mind to what I suffer from. I have had this for 10 years but now I feel relaxed, free of all fear thanks to the A team. St Pats sets the standard for others to follow.

I do not have a single negative to pass on the time I have spent under the care of the staff of St. Patrick's Hospital other than to say that it varied between very good and exceptional. I came to hospital feeling broken and despairing and leave now feeling renewed and well and looking to the future.

I was most impressed with the care given to my daughter during her stay here. The ambience in the hospital is relaxed and caring. From the cleaners to the nurses, doctors and administrators everybody is on first name terms all working to a common goal of getting people better. Congratulations on a job well done