Learning disability services

Our secure hospitals and specialised residential units provide high-quality care for men and women with learning disabilities.

Often patients have complex needs associated with multiple social stressors, such as deprived and chaotic upbringings, poor role models and maladaptive learning experiences. Most patients have multiple diagnoses, with many having mental illnesses, personality disorders or autistic spectrum disorders in addition to their learning disability. These disabilities may have lead to behaviours that have posed significant challenges to the patient's management.

We receive referrals from health and social care professionals as well as criminal justice agencies. We can accept people detained under the Mental Health Act, including those on restriction orders.

Treatment programmes

The treatment programme for patients with learning disabilities begins with a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment by a team made up of consultant psychiatrists, qualified nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, specialist teachers and social workers.

An individual treatment plan helps facilitate the patient's pathway into rehabilitation. These plans are tailored to individual needs and may include:

- cognitive behaviour therapy
- pharmacotherapy
- psychotherapy (individual and group)
- specialist offender treatment programmes (sex offending, fire setting, substance misuse and management of emotions)
- education and life-skills training
- employment and vocational training

We involve the patient, their families and referring clinical teams throughout the individualised treatment pathway.

Specialised residential services

Our specialised residential services provide accommodation, care and support for people with moderate to severe learning disabilities who present with challenging behaviours. Residents require a higher degree of support than available in standard residential services, but have the opportunity for appropriate involvement in the community. Each resident is assigned a key-worker to encourage, support and guide them in expressing their own choices and in setting and accomplishing personal goals. The residential houses provide high quality, homely living environments.

Reviews

As in our mental health services, we adopt the enhanced Care Programme Approach (CPA) to ensure continuing consistent care that evolves to meet the patient's changing needs as they move through the treatment pathway.

Person-centred care

We deliver person-centred care and support to encourage patients to develop their individual life-styles, acquire new skills and work towards their personal goals.

Case studies