Adult Mental Health Nurse - Joanne Love

Clinical Nurse Specialist – Mental Health (adult)

Hi, my name is Joanne Love and I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist in adult mental health. I trained in Scotland in 1986 completing Registered Mental Nurse and Registered General Nurse certificates. I have worked in a variety of community and acute mental health settings and prior to immigration to New Zealand in 2001; worked in a male prison for 7 years. This experience gave me a wealth of knowledge in holistic care, albeit in a custodial setting. I am a strong believer in a multi faceted humanistic approach to healthcare.

I have just completed a Master of Nursing (clinical) and am pending graduation.

My current role involves:

Direct clinical practice- advanced assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders, care management and risk assessment.

Coaching and guidance in relation to mental health issues for patients, whanau and staff. Clinical expertise helping nurses integrate new evidence into practice with regards mental health disorders.

Collaboration focuses on multidisciplinary team building, increasing infrastructure and liaison with primary mental health providers, secondary services, other specialties, health providers and social service agencies including N.Z.Police and Department of Corrections.

Consultation involves reviewing approaches to care where mental health issues may be present. My status of Duly Authorized Officer allows the implementation of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment Act) (1992) if necessary and appropriate. This option is very rarely used.

It is envisaged that my role will be a resource for people to approach me with issues around any mental health concerns, training needs or indeed any issues of this nature. I am more than happy to talk to individuals, groups and workplaces. You don’t have to name names- it might just be a chat about possible options in healthcare. Don’t worry that your issue might seem small or insignificant for you or your patient. I’m here as a resource and to help, so please get in touch.

I am based in Gisborne Hospital. My hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am till 5pm.

I can be contacted on cell no. 021 812 453

My email is joannel@tdh.org.nz

I can also receive written referrals as long as patients have been consulted with and are in agreement. All information is kept in strictest confidence; this can only be breeched in regard to preservation of life and/or serious risk to self and/or others.

If your issue is life threatening and immediate contact New Zealand Police on 111, if you think that someone might be suicidal contact their medical provider (GP or Doctor) or the Psychiatric Assessment and Triage Team (PATT) on tel. 06 8672435. After hours (10.30pm) please contact Ward 11, Gisborne Hospital on 06 8690588.

Click here to download referral form.