Grafton Integrated Health Network Takes Minimization of Restraint Model International
News: For Immediate Release
Grafton Integrated Health Network Takes Minimization of Restraint Model International
Australian Delegation Seeks to Replicate Approach
Winchester, VA – October 4, 2011—Golden City Support Services, a government funded non-profit organization in Australia, is visiting Grafton Integrated Health Network (IHN) to learn about the minimization of restraint initiative a behavioral health care approach that minimizes restraints and seclusions, improves the quality of care, and yields significant positive, sustainable outcomes for clients, employees and the health of the organization.
Golden City Support Services provides services and supports for individuals with disabilities, mental health issues and services for the aged including those with dementia. In 2009, after reading about the minimization of restraint program in the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, the organization invited Grafton IHN to present this best practice model in Victoria, Australia in two separate venues. In so doing, a partnership was born.
“I had the privilege of hearing about this revolutionary best practice model in Australia,” explained Daryl Lang, Manager for Golden City Support Services. “I am excited to hear more so we can develop an action plan that can reap similar benefits.”
The minimization of restraint initiative has earned Grafton IHN national as well as international recognition. In 2008, Grafton IHN won the Negley Presidents’ award for excellence in risk management. Recently in March 2011, Grafton IHN was a finalist for the first annual Virginia Healthcare Innovators Award (VAHCI)—recognizing Virginia organizations that have developed innovative ways to improve healthcare quality and efficiency—for best practices in trauma informed treatment and care.
“Replicating positive and sustainable outcomes is a win-win for all,” said Jim Gaynor, Grafton IHN Chief Executive Officer/President. “We are excited to have our Australian liaison partner here to share our best practices and hope that this results in a long lasting partnership to learn from one another.”
About Grafton Integrated Health Network
Grafton Integrated Health Network (GIHN) is a private, nonprofit organization that has served children, adolescents and adults with disabilities and significant emotional and/or behavioral challenges for more than 50 years. As an industry leader in behavioral healthcare, we empower vulnerable and high-risk populations to lead better, more independent lives. Using a client-centered medical home model, GIHN provides continuous and coordinated services from short-term stabilization and residential services to outpatient to educational and career and technical training. These programs along with a data-driven, trauma-informed model help the organization to develop successful plans of care and clients to thrive in a variety of settings.
GIHN provides a continuum of services to children, youth and adults in four campuses throughout the state of Virginia: Berryville, Loudoun, Richmond and Winchester. Services include two psychiatric residential treatment facilities, a short-term stabilization program, special education programs, community-based group homes and outpatient services.
For more information about Grafton, please visit www.grafton.org.
Contact:
Shweta Adyanthaya, Director of Communications
540-542-0200 ext 6524
sadyanthaya@grafton.org