Our Commitment to You

Our committed staff offer patients various interventions including:

• In-patient groups
• 1:1 time with staff for daily support
• Safety planning
• 24-hour staffing and observations
• Professional Support: You will have access to a team of dedicated professionals.
• Support you to develop strategies to keep yourself safe.
• Crisis admission of between 5-7 days.
• Prompt Review: Your admission will be reviewed within 72 hours of coming to the ward.

How you can make the most of your admission.

• Active Participation: Engage in in-patient groups, follow safety plans, and make the most of 1:1 support provided.
• Collaboration: Work with us in reviewing your care and treatment.
• Open Communication: Communicate your needs, concerns, and progress with our staff.
• Respectful Behaviour: Adhere to clear boundaries regarding behaviour, including refraining from aggression, the use of illicit substances, or alcohol. Treat our staff with respect.

Personality Disorder: What does the evidence say about in-patient admission?

NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) recommendation is to admit people with personality disorders to acute psychiatric inpatient units only when they face crises with substantial risks to themselves or others when they cannot be supported elsewhere, or when detained under the Mental Health Act.  When considering such admissions, it is crucial to involve the patient actively in the decision-making process. This involves reaching a mutual understanding of the potential benefits and harms of admission, as well as agreeing on the length and purpose of the admission in advance.

“My life has changed dramatically since accepting and working on my personality disorder.  I can now see a positive life worth living ahead of me” – STAR (Support, training, and recovery worker)

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recognizes the potential effectiveness of various types of talking therapies for people who are diagnosed with personality disorder.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy focuses on helping you change unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy helps with how you think but it also focuses on accepting who you are at the same time.

We would also recommend Complex Needs service (CNS): Approximately 95% of referrals will meet diagnostic criteria for Personality Disorder.  All treatment occurs in groups and CNS does not offer any one-to-one treatment.

NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) website is below.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg78

A note for families and significant others

When a loved one is admitted to an acute psychiatric unit and has a personality disorder, it can be a challenging and stressful time for both the individual and their family. It’s important for families to have information that helps them understand the situation, provide support, and navigate the treatment process.  It may seem like we have lots of rules, however if you speak with the manager, we can try to be flexible.

We have designated time slots available on Thursday afternoons with our family liaison nurses. Please schedule a meeting at your earliest convenience where you can discuss the care of your loved one. However, it’s important to note that these meetings do not require patient consent; rather, they are also designed to provide you, as a caregiver, with the support and information you need. We look forward to meeting with you and addressing any concerns or questions you may have. Please also have a look at our family booklet.

“For people with personality disorder the ward stay isn’t designed to fix. It is more for respite and support”. (A. Carer)