The overall atmosphere on Acorn Unit is calm, relaxed and therapeutic bearing in mind the significant support needs of the young women living there.
Care pathways are agreed with the young women and are clear. Individuals have a good understanding how they can make progress.
Care planning and risk assessment practice was considered to be effective and the young peoples’ involvement in the processes was noted. Overall, staff were commended on the excellent quality of record keeping.
The inspector fed back that staffing ratios were good and commented specifically on the interaction between staff and young people which was positive and supportive.
It was noted that an extensive and varied therapeutic programme was in place.
The young people had a good understanding of their rights, treatment and medication.
The inspector commented that it was evident that the unit’s Senior Clinical Team Leader provided effective leadership and was an excellent role model for junior nurses.

If you would like further information on our Adolescent Service please contact:

Moya McGinley (T) 01483 795 100 (M) 07921 062 535 (E) moya.mcginley@alphahospitals.co.uk

About the conference

It is widely accepted that psychiatric patients have significantly poorer physical health than the general population. Smoking further contributes to the cardiovascular risk, and bans can be difficult to implement. Forensic patients, or patients in secure psychiatric settings, can perceive a lack of autonomy, and professionals working in these settings are responsible for delivering holistic person centred care; this can be achieved by collaborating with patients, or service users, and avoiding coercive strategies.

The conference is CPD accredited and worth 5 points.

Speakers include:-

• Dr. Simon Williams - Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Lead for heart failure at Wythenshawe Hospital and Spire Regency Hospital
• Dr. Elena Ratschen - Lecturer in epidemiology/tobacco control at the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies, the University of Nottingham
• Dr. John Parkes - Senior Lecturer of Mental Health Nursing at Coventry University
• Dr. Irene Cormac - Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, with a special interest in physical healthcare
• Alain Aldridge - Service User and Director of Recovery 7 Ltd, a Social Enterprise and service user led organisation

Who should attend?

• Forensic/General/Rehabilitation Psychiatrists
• Care Co-ordinators
• Clinical/Forensic Psychologists
• Commissioners and Forensic Case Managers
• General Practitioners
• Occupational Therapists
• Prison Service Staff
• Registered Mental Health Nurses
• Social Workers
• Delegate rates

Delegate rates

• Public sector delegate places will be provided free of charge; however delegates will be required to pay a £50.00 deposit by cheque to secure their free place. The cheques will be returned to delegates on the day of the conference.
• Standard rate for private sector – £95.00 (early booking rate of £49.50 if booked before 31st March 2011)
• Students/voluntary orgs/unwaged – £49.50

How to Book

To reserve a place, please complete the online booking form below or download the event flyer for a postal booking form.

Members use a broad portfolio of 75 practical ideas to validate their existing good practice and to inspire further development allowing staff to use all their skills and personal qualities and work with patients in order to provide exceptional, creative and therapeutic inpatient experiences.

Star Wards is a project which works with mental healthtrusts to enhance mental health inpatients’ daily experiencesand treatment outcomes.Members use a broad portfolio of 75 practical ideas tovalidate their existing good practice and to inspire furtherdevelopment allowing staff to use all their skills andpersonal qualities and work with patients in order to provideexceptional, creative and therapeutic inpatient experiences.

Since joining Alpha in 2006 Dhana has worked as a Support Worker, Clinical Nurse, Team Leader and more recently has taken on a Nurse Practitioner role whilst continuing to support the only national Deaf female service.

We work in partnerships with the NHS to provide specialists individualised care for young people between the ages of 12-18 years who are experiencing a mental health crisis and cannot be maintained in intensive community settings

The site at Woking also accommodates low secure services for men – for treatment and rehabilitation of male patients aged between 18-64years with severe and enduring mental illness and complex needs

Our mission is to deliver the highest standard of patient care which is clinically effective in a manner which respects people’s dignity, privacy and individuality in a safe, high quality environment.

Alpha Hospitals is a highly ethical employer and promotes multidisciplinary team working and openness amongst its staff.

This position offers a real opportunity for you to make a real difference

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Post Holder will be responsible for monitoring the physical health of patients across all services within the hospital.
The role will involve co-coordinating the GP clinic on a weekly basis, taking responsibility for referring patients if other health professional involvement is indicated, ensuring that documentation is completed i.e. GP notes, physical health monitoring forms and Physical Health Care Plans. liaising with the teams on each clinical area, responding to the educational needs of patients and becoming involved in the training of staff as required.

Responsibilities will include:
Co-ordination of the GP clinical on a weekly basis.
Co-ordination of the Blood Clinic on a weekly basis inc. Clozaril monitoring.
Liaison with relevant health professionals e.g. dietician, optician, chiropodist, continence nurse, dentist.
Close monitoring of patient health issues such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, minor injuries and illnesses.
Carrying out ECGs.
Developing education groups / provide information to patients inc. healthy living groups, smoking cessation sessions, well woman / man clinics, drug and alcohol awareness.
Liaison with pharmacist and contribution to medicines management.
Run vaccination clinics for patients (and staff).
Liaison with infection control lead.
Attend CPAs / Ward Reviews, SIRs where necessary.
Contribute to CPA reports and Liaison reports.
Check emergency equipment and contribute to CPR drills / training.
Co-ordinate clinical waste.
Assess and treat if required self injuries.
Assist with Gym assessments.
Ensure accurate and legible documentation is completed in relation to all physical health monitoring. Monitor this and ensure standards are met.
Be involved where possible in assessment of patients on admission to hospital.
Leadership and training responsibilities

Informal visits and enquiries to the hospital are welcome from interested candidates

Contact recruitment@alphahospitals.co.uk for a full job description and person specification
Applications by CV accepted – applicants will need to demonstrate relevant experience related to the role on which an initial sift will be take place

We work in partnerships with the NHS to provide specialists Medium and Low secure services for male and female adults with mental health problems, personality disorders, deaf services and Psychiatric intensive care.

Our mission is to deliver the highest standard of patient care which is clinically effective in a manner which respects people’s dignity, privacy and individuality in a safe, high quality environment.

Alpha Hospitals is a highly ethical employer and promotes multidisciplinary team working and openness amongst its staff.
This position offers a real opportunity for you to make a real difference

Role Summary

Working in Alpha Hospital as a member of a multi-disciplinary clinical team, the post holder is responsible for participating in the assessment and referral of women within the hospital, managing a defined caseload of patients and ensuring care programmes are developed, implemented and evaluated with patients and other members of the multi-agency/disciplinary team, as appropriate.
The post holder will participate in the MDT and CPA process.
Provide specialist clinical sessions to meet the needs of the patient group.
Pro-actively contribute to service and practice development initiatives within the Clinical Governance Framework.
Develop skills and knowledge through participation in the CPD process.
Work on specific service developments in collaboration with OT colleagues and Head of Therapies.

Candidates will only be short-listed for an interview if they meet the following criteria:

Degree in Occupational Therapy

A minimum of two years’ post registration working experience, one year of which must have been in a mental health setting

Clearly demonstrates on application a commitment to and understanding of the role of OT in a forensic setting

Informal enquiries and visits to the hospital are welcome from interested candidates
Contact recruitment@alphahospitals.co.uk for a Job description and person specification
Applications by CV accepted – all applicants will need to demonstrate relevant experience related to the role on which an initial sift will take place

Alpha Hospitals Ltd. is a provider of mental health care and has a contract for the Mental Health Inreach Service for HMP Bronzefield, a privately run prison for women. The Mental Health Inreach Nursing Team covers Monday – Friday and is supported by a consultant forensic psychiatrist.

These roles offer you an opportunity to act as an independent practitioner and manage your own caseload. You will be given support and training of gender specific services and a link with our women’s’ low secure service at Alpha Hospital Woking

Whilst the focus is on patients with severe and enduring mental illness the Inreach Team also encompasses the assessment of and intervention with prisoners with a range of mental health needs. Other roles include giving advice and information to prison personnel, linking prison and NHS services and providing clinical leadership and training.

We are looking to appoint a Lead Nurse with a minimum of two years experience as mental health practitioner, at least one of which should have been within a forensic setting. Management and supervisory experience at NHS band 6/7 (equivalent)

Further information, job description and application please contact Julie Andrews HR Officer on 01483 795100

To discuss the role please contact Sue David on 01784 425690 / 01483 795100

Alpha Hospitals Ltd. is a provider of mental health care and has a contract for the Mental Health Inreach Service for HMP Bronzefield, a privately run prison for women. The Mental Health Inreach Nursing Team covers Monday – Friday and is supported by a consultant forensic psychiatrist.

These roles offer you an opportunity to act as an independent practitioner and manage your own caseload. You will be given support and training of gender specific services and a link with our women’s’ low secure service at Alpha Hospital Woking

Whilst the focus is on patients with severe and enduring mental illness the Inreach Team also encompasses the assessment of and intervention with prisoners with a range of mental health needs. Other roles include giving advice and information to prison personnel, linking prison and NHS services and providing clinical leadership and training.

We are looking to appoint a Senior Nurse with a minimum of two years experience as mental health practitioner, at least one of which should have been within a forensic setting

Further information, job description and application please contact Julie Andrews HR Officer on 01483 795100

To discuss the role please contact Sue David on 01784 425690 / 01483 795100

Ideally, applicants will have experience of working within a mental health/care environment, although excellent and comprehensive training will be provided. You will be confident, capable and very enthusiastic. This role offers exceptional opportunities for personal and professional development. If you have the right attitude to join our exceptional team here in Woking we would love to hear from you.

Hospital Managers are volunteers who have statutory powers and responsibilities to protect the rights of detained service users and to hear appeals against and renewal of sections under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended 2007).

Hospital Managers are expected to attend meetings as and when required and always during working hours.

Expenses will be offered and suitable training will be provided.

Applications are encouraged from persons with experience of mental health issues and those with a non judgemental attitude and who are able to understand legal issues.

For more information or informal discussion, please contact Kathryn Whiteley, Mental Health Act Officer on 0161 762 7222 or David Andrew, Mental Health Act Administrator on 01483 795132.

For an application pack, please contact HR using the details below.