Alcohol

Richard Pampuri Unit

The Richard Pampuri Unit was founded in 1961 as a unit for the treatment of alcoholism within Saint John of God Hospital.

It is named after the Italian Brother/Doctor of the Saint John of God Order who died in 1930 and who was canonized in 1989. The Unit is integrated to cater for both men and women. The setting and hospital layout, surrounded by creatively designed grounds and gardens, provide a peaceful and healing environment.

The philosophy of the RPU at Saint John of God Hospital is based on the belief that recovery depends on the healing of the individual's emotional, physical and spiritual being. This is facilitated by a multi-disciplinary professional team.

Assessment

Prior to admission to the Unit, patients are assessed to determine their personal needs. A psychological assessment, where it is deemed appropriate, is conducted during or after the four-week programme.

Treatment: In-patient Care

Following full medical examination and detoxification, if necessary, patients are admitted to the RPU. The Programme is of 28 days duration, consisting of group and didactic sessions. These allow the patient to share feelings and fears, gain insight and get support on how to manage their addiction, particularly in the future.

Family Day:

The purpose of Family Day is threefold:

• Feedback for the patient as to how the problem has affected the family
• Group and individual help and support for families to cope with their feelings and attitudes while enabling them to verbalise and share fears and anxieties
• Educational input through the use of videos, discussion groups and an introduction to Al Anon and Al Ateen

Aftercare:

Following residential treatment, all patients are offered a two year Aftercare Programme, where they attend group therapy sessions on a weekly basis. Individual, couple, family and marital therapy can be arranged on referral.