Welcome to Secure Services
A guide to your stay
Welcome If you need this booklet in another format or language, please ask a member of staff.
What this booklet is for This booklet will tell you about Secure Services and what you can expect while you are here. We hope you and your family and friends will find it helpful. Service users helped us write the information in the booklet and we have included what they say about living here.
Questions or worries We are friendly and approachable and we are here to help care for service users and their family and friends. If you need to know more, have any questions or have any worries, please ask or contact:
Service Manager Secure Services Fromeside/Wickham Unit Blackberry Hill Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1ED
Service users say:
“I was very anxious when I first came in, but with the help of staff my worries went.”
T | Fromeside main number 0117 378 4012 E |
[email protected]
“Staff are very helpful and easy to approach.”
W | www.awp.nhs.uk
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Why am I here? Medium and low secure mental health services are specialist services for people with mental health problems who have been involved with the criminal justice system. We aim to give you the best assessment, treatment and care in the least restrictive way. If you have any questions about your rights, you can ask a member of staff for more information or ask to speak to the Mental Health Act Administrator. Our service is based in two inpatient units on the Blackberry Hill Hospital site, Fishponds, Bristol.
Fromeside Fromeside is an 80 bed medium secure inpatient unit with seven wards for men and one for women.
Avon ward Bradley Brook ward Cary ward
Kennet ward Ladden Brook ward Siston ward
Teign ward (women’s) Wellow ward
Wickham unit Wickham is a 29 bed low secure inpatient unit with three wards for men:
Fairfax ward
Cromwell ward
Each of the wards in Fromeside and Wickham are for people at different stages of care. Every service user has a single room with an ensuite bathroom.
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Hopton ward
Who are we? Your care and treatment will be managed by group of different healthcare professionals called a multi-disciplinary team (MDT). Here are some of the people you will meet. All staff should wear a name badge and should introduce themselves when they first meet you. If you aren’t sure who we are or what we do, please ask. Named nurse You should be allocated a named nurse within 24 hours of coming into secure services. Your named nurse will meet with you regularly and is responsible for making sure your needs are met and your voice is heard. Please tell us if you would prefer a male or female named nurse. We will try to meet your needs.
Occupational therapists
Nurses
Psychologists can help you make sense of your difficulties through talking with you about your problems. They will try and help you find ways to cope better.
A nurse on each shift will also be allocated to your care; but all the nurses are here to care for you.
Consultant psychiatrist This is the lead doctor for the ward who has overall responsibility for your care.
Junior doctors Junior doctors help the consultant to complete the medical jobs and assessments needed during your stay.
Healthcare assistants (HCA) Healthcare assistants support the nurses to give you the best care.
Pharmacists We have regular visits from specialist mental health pharmacists.
Occupational therapists (OTs) can help you with any difficulties doing everyday activities and will support you to do things which you find satisfying. They will help you keep skills you already have, as well as learning new ones or new ways of doing things.
Clinical psychologists
Arts psychotherapists Arts psychotherapists can offer the opportunity for you to work through your emotional difficulties using your creativity in art, drama or music psychotherapy. They will support you within a safe therapeutic relationship.
Social workers A social worker here will support you and your family through your stay and will help you build and maintain links with the community.
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My information My named nurse is: _______________________________ My care co-ordinator is: ____________________________ My psychiatrist is: __________________________________ The ward manager is: ________________________________ My psychologist is: _________________________________ The ward clerks are: ______________________________________ The service manager is: ___________________________________
Malago garden
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Ward facilities Here is some information about ward facilities. You will be given more specific information about your ward. Ward areas
Shop runs
Each ward has a TV lounge, laundry facilities, dining area, kitchen, therapy room, offices and an outdoor area.
If you don’t have leave, you can make requests for staff to buy basic things from the local shops for you. Shop runs happen on different days on each ward. We will tell you when these are and how to ask for a shop run.
Dress code You will be required to wear day clothes, including a top, in all the communal areas of the ward/unit.
Laundry
Money
Each day, post is distributed through the ward office. You can send outgoing post through the ward office as well.
We recommend that money and benefits books are kept in the finance office to avoid them being lost or stolen. You have a right to get your money, but the finance office has limited opening times each day. We will let you know these times.
Bedroom cleaning
Telephone
Housekeeping staff clean all bedrooms every week. You may not be allowed to be in your room during this time. You are responsible for leaving your room tidy.
There is a payphone on each ward, which accepts coins and phone cards. If friends or relatives want to speak to staff, they should call the office number. Ward staff can give you both numbers and can tell you where to get phone cards.
Laundry facilities are available on each ward with different times.
Post
Smoking We are working towards being a smoke free Trust. Stop smoking support is available.
Garden access This varies on each ward.
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Personal belongings For patient and staff safety, these items are not allowed on the wards in any circumstances.
Valuables You should also be able to lock away your valuable possessions safely on most wards.
Restricted items
all alcohol all drugs legal highs lighters and matches metal combs sprays, perfumes, after shave lotions glass objects or containers aerosols razors cans of food and drink energy drinks open drinks purchased on unescorted leave cameras, modems, portable recording equipment. mobile phones
Mobiles Mobile phones are not permitted for use on the ward under any circumstances.
But you may use your mobile phone when on ground or community leave; either escorted or unescorted.
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Items which may pose a risk to you or others, such as aerosols, razors will be stored in a locked cupboard on the ward. You may access these items via the security nurse. We will give you more details about this.
Alcohol and drugs Using any alcohol and drugs is not allowed while you are in secure services. You may be tested for alcohol and drugs and your care reviewed. If staff suspect any service user of dealing drugs, the police will be involved and if needed, we will carry out drug searches of the grounds and wards. If you witness anyone using alcohol or drugs, please talk to a staff member. All concerns will be taken seriously and treated in a way that makes sure you are safe. If you need help to stop using alcohol or drugs, please talk to a member of staff.
Meals Refreshments Water is available at any time. Hot and cold drinks are available throughout the day. Times will vary on different wards; so please speak to ward staff about this.
Meals Meal times are protected with no visitors to the ward during this time.
Meals are requested in advance and menus are available for you to make choices. Please speak to staff if you would like to cook your own meals. This may be possible on some wards.
Please speak to ward staff about any special dietary
needs Rivers cafe
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Visitors You will need to speak to your team to request first time visits. Visits are supervised by staff at first. Visits need to be booked in advance with nursing staff, so we can make sure rooms are available. Your visitors will need to bring I.D on their first visit and will need to book in with security and reception each time. Visitors may not be able to bring in certain items. If visitors turn up unexpectedly without booking, it is the decision of the nurse in charge of the ward whether or not they are able to safely facilitate the visit.
Skype Secure Services have SKYPE facilities which you can access to keep in touch with your family, friends and carers. Please ask ward staff about this.
Leave For safety, all wards are locked. Leave from the ward needs to be agreed by the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Some community leave must also be agreed with the Ministry of Justice. Once this has been agreed, you will get an information leaflet explaining the conditions of this leave. Before taking any leave, a registered member of staff will want to speak to you to check that you are feeling well and have been able to take part in your planned activities over the past 24 hours. To do this, you will need to make sure that you are present in the communal areas on the ward for at least one hour before taking your leave. If you disagree with a decision about your leave or feel your movements are being restricted unnecessarily, you can discuss the problem with your named nurse, consultant psychiatrist or another member of the staff team.
Service users say:
“They support you in keeping good family and friend relationships.” 8
“When you have community leave, you can request a visit to see family members and friends.”
Your care Your treatment and care will focus on what you need to help you recover and to reduce the risk of further offending. Care planning approach
Patient care review
A plan for your care will be agreed with you and will focus on goals which matter to you.
We will regularly review your care plan with you, as you move towards recovery.
Your care plan will include a programme of activity (See page 12). It may also include:
This happens at your patient care review (PCR) meetings. This is your opportunity to meet the staff involved in your care and to ask questions about your treatment.
medication occupational therapy talking therapies support to maintain relationships with family/friends, if you wish to.
You will get a copy of your care plan.
Physical health There is a weekly clinic with a GP. Practice nurses also offer physical health checks, screening and advice. Please ask the ward staff to make an appointment or to see a dentist, dietician or podiatrist.
Ask the ward staff about which day your PCR will be held on and make a note of this in this guide. It is your choice if you attend or not, but it is encouraged. You can have a friend, relative, advocate or staff member present for support at these meetings. You should be given a copy of your care plan every time it is updated. Please ask if this does not happen. You can also ask for a more private meeting if you find there are too many people there.
Your records The law allows you to see a copy of your records (with some exceptions). For more information see the ‘Access to Health Records’ leaflet available on the wards. Group room
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Medication Medication can help with the psychological and physical symptoms of mental health problems and may be part of your treatment. Pharmacists Specialist mental health pharmacists visit regularly to review prescribed medication for every service user to make sure it is as safe and effective as possible. The pharmacist is also available for one-to-one sessions to discuss any aspect of medication: from managing side-effects to how long medicines should be taken for.
Information We will explain about any medication you are prescribed, including any possible side effects and any proposed changes to your medication.
Other medication If you normally take medication for other health conditions, such as a heart condition or asthma, we will be able to provide these and help you make sure you take them.
There may also be times when you feel you would benefit from taking some medication. Please discuss this with your doctor or named nurse. Ward staff can also print information leaflets for you on most mental health medicines. If you want more information please ask to speak to the pharmacist.
If you feel your medication does not suit you, please tell us.
The Choice and medication website offers information about medications used in mental health services to help you make informed decisions. It is written by clinical experts, based on published data you can trust and is regularly updated: www.choiceandmedication.org/awp/
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Therapeutic activities As part of your treatment and to promote your wellbeing and give structure to your day, we will agree an activity programme with you. Groups We offer a varied programme of therapy including psychology and occupational therapy and activities, matched to your needs and interests.
Drug and alcohol group Enhanced thinking Skills Stop and think DBT Group Skills Sex offender treatment Moving on group Violence and offence Work Community links Arts psychotherapies Relationship Group Introduction to Mindfulness Relaxation Understanding your mental health Communication skills Anger management Hearing voices group
Sports hall
Goal setting Work preparation skills Transitions group Creative writing Sport and exercise groups Food and nutrition Basic DIY skills IT and computers Vocational work and training Leisure groups Community links Numeracy and literacy Bike workshop Arts and crafts Photography Cooking and meal planning
Education room
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Confidentiality Staff will not discuss your situation with other service users or theirs with you.
To support your recovery, we work with other people such as your GP, other NHS Trusts and social services. We also work in partnership with family and carers.
If you are concerned about who has access to your personal information, please ask staff to explain who knows what.
We will tell you who we may be sharing information with, the types of information which could be shared and the reasons for this. If you don’t agree, we will discuss this with you and look at the alternatives.
For further information, please see the leaflet available on the ward ‘How we use your personal information’ or speak to ward staff.
There are some circumstances where staff have a legal duty to pass on information about you, for example, to protect you or others from harm.
Kennet ward
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Turtles crafted by service user
Keeping you safe When you come into secure services, you can expect to be treated with care, respect, compassion, empathy and hope.
Respect for others We ask you to:
be respectful of others, their belongings and space and not to go into other service users’ bedrooms avoid argument or disagreements. Please speak to a member of staff if you are having problems with another resident on the ward.
Violence and aggression It is not acceptable for anyone to be physically or verbally aggressive or abusive towards other service users, visitors or staff. Violence and aggression will result in the review of your care and may be reported to the police.
Supporting you if you are distressed There are different ways to support you if you become agitated or distressed. Please talk to your care team about how you might feel in times of crisis, so that we can work together to see how you would like to be treated at these times.
Unacceptable behaviour Bullying, harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated for any reason including someone’s race, colour, ethnicity, religion, disability, mental health needs, age, sexuality, gender, values or beliefs. If you experience or witness any form of unacceptable behaviour, please talk to a staff member. All concerns will be taken seriously and dealt with in a way that makes sure you are safe.
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User involvement We believe your lived experience makes you ‘experts’ and we value your help to improve our service. Here are some examples of involvement in secure services. Involvement meetings We have regular ward service user meetings (called community meetings) and monthly unit meetings, where you can give your opinions and suggestions about how the ward and unit are run.
Representatives These are service users, carers, friends and family who represent the views and experiences of other people living here. Representatives are very important to us. They take part in service improvement meetings, recruitment and focus groups to make sure the views and thoughts of service users and friends and families are heard and acted on.
Recruitment Service users, carers, friends and family can get involved in recruiting new staff members, coming up with ideas for interview questions and sitting on interview panels as equal members.
Projects Service users and carers can be involved in a range of projects. Service users gave their views on this brochure before it was printed and wrote parts of it themselves.
If you are interested in getting involved, please ask to speak to our Involvement Co-ordinator.
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Independent advice Patient Advice & Liaison Service PALS is a free and impartial service which gives you the opportunity to discuss in confidence, any comments or suggestions you have about the care you are receiving. As well as helping you sort out any problems, PALS can also support you and give information if you wish to make a formal complaint. T | 01249 468261 0800 073 1778 (Freephone) E |
[email protected] A | PALS, Jenner House, Langley Way Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1GG
A service user says:
“MIND and the PALS service are very helpful. They can make people feel better because they are separate from the hospital and they are aware of the work staff are doing.”
Advocacy You have the right to an advocate. An advocate’s job is to represent your wishes and concerns. The advocacy service is independent of secure services and the NHS. Advocacy workers from MIND visit the wards. You can have an advocate with you in Patient Care Review (PCR) and Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings. For more information, speak to ward staff or look at the posters and leaflets on notice boards and leaflet racks around the units.
MIND MIND offer local information advice and support for all types of mental health problems. T | 0300-123-3393 9am- 5pm Mon-Fri E |
[email protected]
Rethink Rethink Carers Service offers information, education and support to friends and families. T | 0117 9031803 Mon-Fri 9.30 – 5pm E |
[email protected] W | www.rethink.org/bristolcarers
Book ends crafted by service user
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Getting ready to move on We will work closely with you and your friends and family to prepare you for leaving the unit. Your discharge plan and support options will be discussed in your CPA Review meeting before you are discharged, so that you know what is happening and what to expect. We will also work with the Community Mental Health Teams in your home area to make sure your move to another place goes smoothly and that your support is continued when you move on.
’Fruit bowl’ by service user
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Your notes
Leaflet code AWP- 385- 04_2016 Approved: April 2016 Next review due: April 2019
