H1N1 pandemic planning in a mental health residential facility

Abstract

It is only in the past few years that the mental health impact of disasters has gained attention in research and planning. This article provides a perspective of the experience of the H1N1 outbreak in New Zealand and the response by nurses in a community mental health residential facility. The key lessons learned were: planning and managing for infectious diseases should be part of disaster planning, know your clients and your community, share your knowledge, support the mental health of individuals throughout, and expect reactions as part of recovery. More research and publications are needed in this area for nurses to fully support consumers through pandemics in a more integrated manner.