Whitireia Hosts Mental Health Nursing Symposium

Te Ao Māramatanga, New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses Inc, Wellington Branch was hosted at the Whitireia Porirua campus on Friday for a one day symposium.

Over 70 nurses attended the symposium; from Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Palmerston North and Wanganui.   They heard from key people within the mental health sector and had the opportunity to participate in simulation exercises in the new state-of-the-art simulation training suites at Whitireia.  Also in attendance were representatives from Te Pou; an organisation that works to support and develop the mental health, addiction and disability workforces of New Zealand.

Phil Hawes, Clinical Lab Manager at Whitireia led a simulation session on ‘Head to Toe – Physical Assessment’ while Wendy Trimmer, Academic Leader, Whitireia led another simulation session on ‘Sensory Modulation’.  These two sessions count towards professional development hours for those who attended. 

Head to Toe – Physical Assessment is important in mental health nursing said Carmel Haggerty, Associate Dean, Faculty of Health, Whitireia.  “It’s great that we were able to offer these professional development opportunities as part of this symposium and at the same time showcase the wonderful simulation training facilities that Whitireia has available to the health industry.”

Hosting the college in the new Wikitoria Katene health training facility is another first for Whitireia.  It was a great opportunity to open this facility to the college and showcase it and the investment that Whitireia has made into the training of health professionals in New Zealand said Haggerty.  

The symposium was a first for the college said John Ankcorn, Chair of the Wellington Branch of the New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.  “It was an important event for us and the nurses attending.  We look forward to working in partnership with Whitireia to host and support future opportunities.”  The New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses Inc is the professional body for practicing mental health nurses in New Zealand; new mental health nurses are always welcome; new members brings new knowledge and broadens networks for the college.

Friday’s symposium followed-on from the national conference that was held in Auckland earlier this year; it provided the opportunity for local members of the college to hear the presentations that were given at this conference.  It was generously supported by Whitireia, Janssen-Citag and Eli Lilly.