Older Adult Mental Health Services

Ursula Frayne Unit (UFU) is a 12-bed authorised older adult mental health inpatient ward located at Mount Lawley Hospital for people aged 65 and above (and 45 years and above for Aboriginal persons). Appropriate referrals outside this age bracket may be considered.

UFU provides specialist psychiatric assessment, inpatient mental health care and treatment within a recovery-focused multidisciplinary perspective for older adults experiencing significant mental health concerns that cannot be effectively treated in the community.

The UFU - which falls under the leadership of East Metropolitan Health Service Executive Director of Mental Health Sandra Miller - works closely with community mental health services, carers and families to ensure coordinated care and support during inpatient care admission, delivered by a multidisciplinary team.

Pictured above - From left to right EMHS Executive Director of Mental Health Sandra Miller, Sarah McKinnon (Coordinator of Nursing of RPH Mental Health and UFU) and UFU Nurse Unit Manager Sean Coull.

Services include: 

• Comprehensive older adult psychiatric mental health assessment and diagnosis.
• Individualised treatment and care planning to support recovery and wellbeing delivered by a multidisciplinary team led by a Consultant Psychiatrist. 
• Older adult specific nursing care 
• Allied health services, including Occupational Therapy and Social Work, with other allied health professionals’ access as required.
• Discharge planning and transition support to help people safely return home or move to the most appropriate ongoing care setting.

UFU focuses on supporting recovery, maintaining independence where possible, and helping older people achieve the best possible quality of life while managing their mental health needs.