Our service is for males aged 18-70 years old living in the West Midlands who have learning disabilities, challenging behaviours and complex mental health needs and have been diverted or transferred from the criminal justice system.
Our aim is to create a secure, supportive, and caring treatment environment, which gives patients the chance to become responsible members of the community, living as independently as possible.
We give 24-hour treatment in a low-secure, hospital environment. We have a range of staff that provide care to our patients. Our consultant psychiatrist acts as the individuals Responsible Clinician. Our nurses build therapeutic relationship with patients and involves them in their own care planning, making sure they are fully aware of their rights. They can also advocate someone’s needs when this is required. Our team also include; Occupational therapists, Speech and language therapists, Psychologists and an Activity team and a gym instructor.
Patients have their own bedroom, and share a family-sized living space and a large area where therapeutic activities take place. They also have a computer suite, a treatment room, a visitor’s room, and a large, secure landscaped courtyard. There are three houses in the clinic; Willow, Sycamore, and Cedar. Each house supports someone at different stages of their care pathway.
Patients are encouraged to take part in a full range of educational and recreational activities. Our dedicated activities team help run these activities. We also encourage and support community integration, and can provide our own transport to help people visit places in the community while on leave from the hospital.
What about carers and families?
Family and carer involvement is encouraged throughout a patient’s stay on the clinic. We have also found that patients are happier to participate in treatments when there is joint participation from carers and family members.
We receive referrals from Consultant Psychiatrists within our Community Learning Disability Teams, Probation Services, Courts, and Specialist Commissioning Team (West Midlands). Members of our admission panel screen all potential admissions. All admissions are planned.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all visiting is currently suspended.
Visits can be made on weekday evenings, and on weekend afternoons and evenings. Depending on issues of clinical risk, we also encourage patients to plan supported/supervised visits to family and carers. These visits help someone maintain family ties and relationships in the community.
The nursing staff team work on the clinic 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Address:
Gerry Simon
Heath Lane Hospital
Heath Lane
West Bromwich
B71 2BG
Telephone: 0121-612-8408