A TEAM of Orange mental health professionals committed to improving life in Nepal are planning another trip to the country in November.
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The team will be led by psychiatrist Dr Nick Burns and mental health manager Robyn Murray, who both work together at Bloomfield.
While building goes on in Nepal following the devastating earthquakes in April and May this year, Ms Murray said building emotional strength in the aftermath of the tragedies would be the focus of the team who will deal with the complex trauma recovery process.
They will be accompanied by Nanette Fogarty, who specialises in geriatric mental health issues , Dr Scott Hedley, pharmacist Samuel Lopez, and senior clinical psychologist Dr Peter Warren.
Members of the group, who are funding their airfares and accommodation expenses with support from the Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak, will be hosting a fundraiser in Orange next month.
“These funds will help pay for venues for forums and resources for clinicians,” said Ms Murray, who was forced to shelter in a shop doorway in Kathmandu during the April earthquake.
Ms Murray said this trip to Nepal was planned earlier in the year before the devastating earthquakes, however some amendments to the type of mental health programs to be delivered have been made in preparation for the two-week November visit.
“Obviously when we are several months down the track we will be working with people who are facing a number of mental health issues following the trauma,” Ms Murray said.
She said the team would arrive at a time when the trauma was entering a new phase for the Nepalese who have had to deal with pressing issues of food, water and shelter following the earthquakes.
Ms Murray said the team would not be able to take any medications to Nepal to be dispensed.
During their time in Nepal the team will take part in education and exchange of information forums, as well as run master classes for mental health staff, carry out clinic consultations and put in place medication management processes.
A Nepal fundraiser is being held at the Bloomfield Hall on Saturday, October 3. Tickets are $30 per person and bookings can be made at efoucaut@gmail.com.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au
