Philosophy & Objectives of the Psychiatric Service

 Based on the philosophy of St. John's Hospital and specifically the philosophy of the Inpatient Psychiatric Program, or service objectives are:

1. To make available at a regional level an efficient, safe, and effective short-term, acute care inpatient psychiatric facility, as a significant aspect of the hospital's total health care program.
2. To provide a safe, private, and comfortable therapeutic setting where patients in need of psychiatric treatment can be observed and guided toward better mental health through the expertise of qualified personnel and their utilization of various treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, chemotherapy, group therapy, ECT, nursing care, occupational therapy, and recreational activities.
3. To provide a comprehensive program of psychiatric services which will meet the needs of the hospitalized patient and provide support to families. This program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach.
4. To provide learning opportunities for patients which foster personal growth such as medication teaching, self-improvement groups, individual therapy, group therapy, etc.
5. T o assure protection of patient rights through adherence to the Mental Health Code.
6. To provide learning opportunities for medical and psychiatric residents from Southern Illinois University, as well as hospital personnel to promote professional growth.
7. To participate as a part of the community health team in an effort to upgrade the quality of health care available to those in need of same through appropriate screening and referral methods and patient staffing with community agencies.
8. To foster a good working relationship with physicians and other departments of the hospital as evidenced by committee involvement and provision of a medical, psychiatric liaison service, through active consultation to medical and surgical services.