Monash Medical Centre Educational Program

Lyndale has six teachers that work at Monash Medical Centre. There are five teachers that work in the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit and one staff member Patricia Chaves who works in the Children's ward in the main hospital.

The Adolescent Psychiatric Unit (Stepping Stones) takes up to 20 students 15 in‑patients and 5 day patients aged 12 to 18 with illnesses such as psychosis (often drug induced), depression, suicidal tendency, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Eating Disorders. The teachers work with a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, speech and occupational therapists, social workers, doctors and psychiatric nurses.

In a combination of hospital and school environment, the teachers form part of a multidisciplinary team aimed at helping the students, as far as possible, return to school and to normal life.

The teachers' job is to normalise the situation for the students as much as possible ‑ to take the medical heat off them and help them get back on track during their stay in the unit. The young people attend a structured program that runs five days a week; from 9.45am to 4pm. Students come from all schools in Southern Region of Melbourne and Gippsland.

Patricia Chaves works with all the young people who have a medical stay at Monash, after an accident or for a long term illness. She provides school work and coordinates with the student's school so they do not get behind in their school work.