Balancing on top of Waitakere Range

From Monday I am covering the absence of one of the psychiatrists in the inpatient ward. I have been finding out about her patients during the week and spent most of the morning continuing with that. Then a meeting to reflect on the effects of having "unlocked the doors".

For the last about ten years, the doors into and out of the two "open wards" have in fact been locked, so that for patients to exit (even just for a walk) required a staff member to unlock the door and let them out. This applied also to voluntary patients. I have been here for just over two years, and returning to having the doors unlocked has been one of my projects.

Now the doors are like the front door of many homes. Locked against unauthorised ingress, and not locked for egress; a pad is pressed to release the lock by patients (and staff) who are leaving the ward. Our swipe cards gain entry, but at this point, patients need to press a "doorbell" to get the lock released in order to re enter the ward. 

The patients have adjusted very quickly, and contrary to the doomsayers, we have not had anyone leave and not return during this first week. One was late back, which is not a particular issue, and happened even when the patient had to be let out. 

One week is not significant, I know. However, for me it is a demonstration that if we treat our patients with some dignity, and as adults, that is how they will behave. I feel good that I have led this process. 

Tonight's sunset can be taken as a good omen for the future; a shepherd's delight indeed.