Taranaki District Health Board
Taranaki
2017
BOON partnered with the TDHB to redesign the IPC unit offering a more relaxing and calm environment for patients while promoting better opportunities for engagement with service users and their families.
Te Puna Waiora is the acute inpatient adult mental health unit, within Taranaki Base Hospital and caters for the needs of people with acute mental illness. The unit comprises of an Intensive Psychiatric Care (IPC) unit, six psychogeriatric beds and 20 adult inpatient beds.
Dr Sharat Shetty, Clinical Director of Mental Health, said “The upgrade is a comfortable new therapeutic space for family and friends to enjoy, rest and reflect in based on recovery principles.” Two main lounge areas were created, along with a newer and larger courtyard, a kitchen and two purpose built sensory modulation rooms. Sensory modulation is a form of therapy/treatment to promote a sense of calmness and wellbeing.
Patients have their own bedroom, a selection of group therapy rooms and a range of recreational facilities. Drab walls are now adorned with pastel green and orange, a vibrant carpet furnishes the lounge. The shift from a clinical space to revitalised, colourful and comfortable surroundings will be instrumental in helping those who need the IPC unit return back to mental wellness.
