Psychiatric service in rural areas cannot be run properly without transport, discuss.

In the rural area, psychiatric service is certainly
a challenge without an efficient transport services. Transportation requirement
for psychiatric services carries several potential risks that required high
level of consideration in planning and executing to make sure that all that are
involved – both the patients and the care givers – are safe (free from danger
or any potential risk) that may emanate from the process.

Patients which require psychiatric services,
especially in the rural have the right to safe transport that minimizes interference
with their rights, dignity and self-respect, and that reduces the likelihood they
will experience the transport as a traumatic event or exposure to dehumanizing
conditions which may rights.

However, in recognizing these rights, there is need
to be balanced with the safety of all concerned and the active management of risk.
When there is need to restrict some of their rights, it should be proportionate
and reasonable according to the Mental Health Act of 1986

When clinically and legally appropriate, patients should
be encouraged to make their own decisions and arrangements for transport wherever
possible and there is need to make proper consideration on the effect of this
decision on the family, friends and care givers during the process of the
transportation.

There is however some conditions which require careful
and restrictive means of transportation, especially for violent and involuntary
patient which require sedation before transportation, Mental Health Act 1986
stipulates that they must of a necessity be transported by emergency ambulance.

Factors that determine the nature of transportation
of psychiatric patients in the rural area

·
The distance to be travelled

·
The patient’s need for clinical support, supervision
and sedation during the period of travel

·
The available modes of transport

·
The likely effect on the patient of the proposed mode
of transport

·
Information from other service providers, family or
carers

·
The availability of appropriately trained staff for
assessment and escorting

·
The patient’s legal status

·
Whether there has been any reference to transport
preferences as part of a consumer’s advance statement.

·
Current and past mental health history and presentation

·
The patient’s physical health

·
The patient’s immediate treatment needs