Patient information

We are exploring options for ADHD assessments and hope to be able to assist with these in the near future – if you require an ADHD assessment, please get in touch and we will put you on our notification list.

Dr Foote regrets that a reduction in his availability means he cannot accept any clients (private or ACC) for ongoing treatment. He remains available for ACC and VA assessments.

Before your appointment

• Take the time to write down what you’d like to achieve from your appointment – things you want to understand, issues you want to discuss, things you want to remember to mention.
• Write a list of questions, so that you can remember them when you’re with your psychiatrist.
• Take along a pen and paper so you can scribble a note during your appointment if the urge seizes you!
• Consider inviting your spouse or partner, or other person close to you, as their input can be very helpful for Dr Foote, and they may remember aspects of the appointment that you don’t.
• If at all possible, write down the names and doses of all the psychiatric medications you’ve used in the past (see our patient forms page), and how they helped you and/or any side effects. This can save a lot of time in your appointment, which means there’s more time available to discuss the future, and any questions. A simple format like this will work well, as the key points for Dr Foote are the medication names, when you tried them, how long you stayed on them and at what maximum dose, how they made you feel, and whether they caused any side effects:

Your appointment

• Clinics are usually held at the Northland Psychiatry rooms, at 41 Whau Valley Road, Whangarei – the left-hand side of the road as you head up it. It’s a cream roughcast bungalow with grey roof and green trim, and it has short concrete block pillars at the drive painted white with blue caps. Usually it is easiest to park on the street but you are also welcome to park on the driveway. Here is a map for easy reference:
  
• Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment is due to begin, so you have time to fill out our minimal paperwork. Unfortunately, if you’re late it won’t be possible to make up the time, as that would affect the next patient.
• Relax! You’re meeting a trained professional who has long experience putting people at ease, treating them with compassion, and making wise recommendations about treatment.
• Ask lots of questions.
• Be honest – a psychiatrist has pretty much heard it all! The most important thing is to give Dr Foote an accurate understanding of your situation, so the best possible recommendations can be made.
• Your information is confidential and will not be shared outside the boundaries set out here, without your permission. It is routine for a copy of your summary letter to be sent to your GP or other health professional referrer – please let us know if you do not wish this to occur. If Dr Foote is highly concerned about risk to yourself or others, it may be necessary to breach confidentiality – this will only be done when absolutely necessary, and if possible after discussing the necessity with you. If you have any questions about confidentiality, please ask at the outset of your meeting. Dr Foote would be glad to address any concerns.

After your appointment

• Dr Foote will schedule a follow-up appointment if that’s necessary – commonly, that’s in 3-4 weeks after commencing or altering antidepressant treatment, 1-3 weeks after commencing or altering antipsychotic treatment, and otherwise in 1-3 months to assess progress depending on your situation.
• A large proportion of patients don’t fill their prescriptions at the pharmacy, and a large proportion of those who get that far, don’t take their medications regularly, or even at all. Medication may not be something Dr Foote recommends, or that you wish to pursue, but if medication is prescribed and you later decide not to take it, please let Dr Foote know – he certainly won’t be angry! As above, having an accurate understanding of the situation is the most important thing.
• If you’re struggling to remember to take your medication regularly, considering investing in a ‘pill tray’ from your local pharmacy or discount store, or asking your pharmacy about blister packs, which are affordable or even free and can make adhering to your treatment regime much easier.
• Phone if you have any side effects, concerns, thoughts about harming yourself, or other issues. We’ll be glad to hear from you, and will aim to return your call within a business day if you leave a message.

What to do in an emergency

• If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or what you think might be side effects to medications, please phone us during business hours – although Northland Psychiatry does not operate an acute or emergency mental health service, we will be glad to give you advice on the best course of action. If you can’t reach us or it is outside working hours, please phone the local hospital (09 430 4100 for Whangarei Base Hospital at Northland District Health Board) and ask to speak to the Crisis Team from Mental Health Services. If you are physically unwell, see your GP or attend the emergency department promptly.
• Be sure to let any doctor, nurse or pharmacist know of any medications you are taking – especially before any new medication is prescribed. This is especially important if you are taking lithium, sodium valproate, older antidepressants, or sedating medications such as benzodiazepines.

Information about mental health conditions
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists publishes useful patient information leaflets.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists also publishes excellent patient information leaflets.

Information about psychiatry
What is a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrist vs psychologist?
Getting help for psychiatry problems
Physical health for people with a mental illness

Forms
Please see our patient forms page