Services
Facilities
Each unit provides an exceptionally high standard of accommodation. Patients have their own bedroom and en-suite bathroom offering maximum privacy. This is further enhanced by spacious lounges, therapy rooms, occupational therapy kitchen, gym and laundry facilities. Units also have gardens, which are designed by the patients.
Standards
Alpha Hospitals follow the guidelines set out in the National Minimum Standards for General Adult Services in Psychiatric Intensive Care Units and Low Secure Environments which can be viewed on the Department of Health website.
The Team
All Alpha Hospitals are led by multi-disciplinary teams which include Consultant Psychiatrists, Associate Specialists, Clinical Psychologists, Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and Fitness Instructors. The adolescent service is supported by qualified teachers and education is encouraged and facilitated across all services. Additional specialist interventions are introduced as required on an individual basis.
The Admission Process
On admission the patient is orientated to the hospital, introduced to their key nurse and given a copy of the patient information guide which tells them about all aspects of the service, their care and important information on their rights.
Once the patient has settled, a programme of care will be discussed with the patient. This will be in the form of an enhanced Care Programme Approach (CPA). This will address the personal needs of the patient, taking into account social, cultural, therapeutic, medical, physical health and support, and is in line with the principles of assessment set out in the National Service Framework for Mental Health. Once the patient agrees this, the multi-disciplinary team and the patient will be issued with a copy of the care plan which will be reviewed at regular care programme review meetings. Relatives and carers are also encouraged to take an active part in this process with the agreement of the patient.
Advocacy
Alpha Hospitals appoint independent advocacy services for patients. Advocacy is a means of supporting individuals in articulating their wishes and having them heard. It promotes the rights of the service users and give them a stronger voice with personal preferences and choices.
The advocate will help and support the patient to speak up for themselves or do this for them if they feel unable to do so. They will provide support at meetings i.e. CPA meetings, inform patients of their rights, inform patients of community services which they can access, help them make a complaint and help to refer the patient to other appropriate people if the advocate cannot assist with a particular enquiry.
The low secure service for women benefits from advocates that specialise in providing gender sensitive services.
Further Information
Alpha Hospitals have a statement of purpose for each service which is written in accordance with the requirements of the Care Quality Commission. In addition there are special information folders which contain more detailed information on each unit. These are given to patients on or prior to admission. Special information folders are also available for parents or carers, which contain helpful information.