Staff from across Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services at PA Hospital recently came together for a unique and insightful event showcasing ‘A Day in the Life.’
Designed to shine a light on the diverse roles within the Adult Acute Psychiatric Unit (AAPU), the event gave clinicians and support staff the chance to step into each other’s shoes and better understand a typical day across disciplines.
From psychiatry and nursing to the peer workforce, social work, nutrition and dietetics, and exercise physiology, each profession shared a snapshot of their daily work.
Team Leader Allied Health Marissa Laycock said the idea grew from a shared recognition that delivering high-quality mental health care relies on strong multidisciplinary collaboration.
“In a busy, fast-paced inpatient environment, wrapping the right care team around the right consumer at the right time takes real agility,” she said.
“This event was an opportunity to pause, look beyond our own roles, and learn more about the colleagues around us, what their day looks like, where the pressure points are, and how we can better work together.”
One of the presentations came from Senior Exercise Physiologist Sophie, who shared a glimpse into her dynamic and hands-on role within the unit.
Starting her day in the North Wing, Sophie checks handover notes before preparing for morning movement groups which can include Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, or strength-based exercises.
Working alongside the recreation team, she supports consumers to engage in 30 to 45 minutes of structured activity designed to improve both physical and mental wellbeing.
Between group sessions, Sophie might run one-on-one exercise programs, facilitate casual activities like frisbee or basketball on the ward, or support recreational sessions using games like ping pong or WiiFit. She also balances clinical documentation, emails, and team meetings.
“I love seeing the change in someone,” she said. “They might come in feeling anxious or stressed, and within 30 minutes, you can see a shift physically, mentally and emotionally.
“Sometimes it’s about reconnecting with something familiar, like playing sport or a game they used to love. You can see the joy that brings, and that’s really rewarding.”
The forum is the first in a series focused on developing and refining the model of care, including discrete approaches to specific presentations, to support the continued delivery of high-quality and evidence-based multidisciplinary care for consumers.
Shout-out to all the incredible AAPU staff for your dedication to providing the best possible care to consumers!