An Introduction to Greenfields Unit, Mount Gould Hospital
WHAT WE DO…
INTRODUCTION
· Greenfields is a specialised inpatient unit for women, which aims to provide individualised care, treatment and recovery for women with severe and enduring mental health problems. We have 9 in-patient beds in individual bedrooms and all on one level. We also have a courtyard garden accessed from the communal lounge.
· Greenfields is a recovery unit for service users who need transitional support from a wide range of services to the community or those who have become non-progressive in their recovery and may require intensive therapeutic intervention. We work from a recovery pathway perspective and promote independence, social inclusion and personal choice. Our patients can be admitted under a section of the Mental Health Act (1983) or on an informal basis.
· The overall aim of the service is to maximise the quality of life for each individual and provide a range of opportunities for integration into the community.
OUR TEAM
The Greenfields Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is the mechanism for organising and coordinating the unit to ensure we meet the care needs of our patients. Together we bring the expertise and skills of different professionals to assess, plan and manage care jointly.
Our MDT Comprises of:
Modern Matron
Unit Manager
Deputy Manager
Consultant Psychiatrist and Junior Doctors
Psychologist
Occupational Therapist
Ward Clerk
Registered Nurses
Registered/Trainee Nursing Associates
Senior Support Workers
Housekeeping Team
Volunteers
Students
We also work closely with GPs, Pharmacists, Community Mental Health Services, Adult Social Care and housing associations to ensure our patients receive the correct level of support upon discharge from our service.
THE THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMME
Our occupational therapist and nursing team facilitate a mandatory group therapeutic programme which runs Monday-Friday, this is a vital part of the treatment phase for our patients.
Accessing our therapeutic programme allows patients to learn skills to promote their own recovery. This will help them to take control of their long term, sustained mental wellbeing in the community with the ability to reach their full potential through application and engaging in the social and psychological interventions.
THE THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMME CONTINUED
Some examples of what we do:
Arts and crafts
Baking
Drama
Quizzes and games
Psychoeducation
WRAP planning
Mindfulness
Health education
Pampering
Tai Chi
Social sessions
Knitting and crochet
Walking
Positive news
Gardening
Poetry
Swimming
When patients are admitted to Greenfields an assessment of the person’s risks, needs and a discussion of wishes and views about hospital admission will be carried out as soon as possible. A physical examination is also carried out to rule out infection, a physical illness or any underlying physical conditions which a person may have. This is an opportunity for professionals to consider a person’s lifestyle and physical wellbeing. We then use The Recovery Star (left) to assess their recovery needs which supports development of their person-centered Care Plan. We also use an interest checklist to determine what activities the patient may be interested in which could influence recovery and assist individuals to live a fulfilling life. We also assess the needs of the patient through spending meaningful time with them and getting to know them along with formal OT assessments. By doing this we can then discover what they will benefit from such as support with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), relationships, independence, medication compliance etc.
ASSESSMENT
Treatment options will include medication and a range of psychosocial interventions that are complimented by social, recreational and vocational activities. Patients have structured, individually tailored therapeutic care plans and activity plans each week throughout their admission.
Patients meet with the MDT on a fortnightly basis to discuss, review and change treatment options including medication, care planning, social and group activities etc.
TREATMENT
Leading up to discharge we will assess a persons’ independence and risk. Some patients, depending on their ability, learn how to manage their own medication whilst on the ward and self-cater regularly in order to support their physical and mental wellbeing.
Some patients will be discharged with the support of community mental health service determined by need and as agreed by the MDT. Greenfields adopts a multidisciplinary approach to decision making alongside the person, their families and an advocate if they wish, this is to ensure a safe and supportive discharge.
We support patients to find suitable accommodation upon discharge, this can be independent or supported living, residential or nursing care, or another hospital environment depending on their needs.
DISCHARGE
THANK YOU FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO LEARN ABOUT GREENFIELDS
Hannah Youngblood – Deputy Manager