Psychiatric Intensive Care Services for Men

The Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Alpha Hospital Bury specialises in the treatment of men who are in an acutely disturbed phase of a serious mental disorder, they may also present a risk to themselves or others due to an associated loss of capacity for self control. Treatment is patient centred, multidisciplinary, intensive, comprehensive and collaborative. There is also the capability to respond to critical situations rapidly and effectively.

Facilities

All units within the Alpha Hospitals Group provide an exceptionally high standard of accommodation for patients. Patients have their own bedroom and en-suite bathroom offering maximum privacy. The PICU is situated in the Hudson Building where patients have access to spacious lounges, therapy rooms, occupational therapy kitchen and laundry facilities. In addition, the Hudson Building has a large gymnasium where trained staff are able to work through health and fitness programmes with patients. There is also a suite of workshops including upholstery, arts and crafts, metal work and wood work. The service also has its own private spacious garden.

Standards

Alpha Hospitals adhere to the National Minimum Standards for PICUs and Low Secure Units.

The Team

All Alpha Hospitals are led by multidisciplinary teams which include: Consultant Psychiatrists, Associate Specialists, Clinical Psychologists, Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Social Workers and Occupational Therapists.

Making a Referral

Enquiries regarding referrals should be made to the Business Development Team on during office hours or please ask for the Nurse in Charge outside of office hours.

The Admission Process

On admission, the patient is orientated to the hospital, introduced to their Key Nurse and given a copy of the Patient Information Guide which tells them about all aspects of the service, their care and important information on their rights.

Once the patient has settled, a programme of care will be discussed with the patient. This will be in the form of an Enhanced Care Programme Approach. This will address the personal needs of the patient taking into account social needs, cultural needs, therapeutic needs, medical needs, physical health and support needs and is in line with the principles of assessment set out in the National Framework for Mental Health. Once the patient agrees this, the multidisciplinary team and the patient will be issued with a copy of the care plan which will be reviewed at regular Care Programme Review Meetings. Relatives and carers are also encouraged to take an active part in this process with the agreement of the patient.

Advocacy

Alpha Hospitals appoint independent advocacy services for patients.

Advocacy is a means of supporting individuals in articulating their wishes and having them heard. Advocates promote the rights of their service users and give them a stronger voice with personal preferences and choices.

The advocate will help and support the patient to speak up for themselves or do this for them if they feel unable to do so. They will provide support at meetings i.e. CPA meetings, inform patients of their rights, inform patients of community services which they can access, help them make a complaint and help to refer the patient to other appropriate people if the advocate cannot assist with a particular enquiry.

Further information

Alpha Hospitals provide a Statement of Purpose for each site which is written in accordance with the requirements of the Healthcare Commission. If you would like a copy of the Statement of Purpose or further details on any Alpha Hospitals service, please contact Zsara Thomas, Business Development Director, at or telephone .