Service Detail

Ward in the Community is a 13 bedded male locked rehabilitation ward based on the Bethlem Royal Hospital site.

The unit has a lower level of physical security compared to the secure forensic wards in SLAM, and moderate levels of procedural security, but this is balanced with high levels of relational security.

We predominantly provide a period of rehabilitation and ‘testing out’ for patients stepping down from secure forensic wards. However, we also accept patients from prison, PICUs, acute wards and the community.

The individual’s care pathway is considered as part of the admission assessment and determined soon after arrival with a package of care is devised to help the patient move through the pathway, according to their individual needs. A typical care pathway consists of:

1. Initial assessment, including risk and clinical needs assessment, treatment planning, and estimation of length of stay.
2. Rehabilitation, treatment and testing out begins.
3. Accommodation sought, obtained and funded.
4. Testing out with overnight leave to discharge address.
5. Successful discharge following discharge CPA, and, if required, Tribunal MHRT and/or MOJ approval

We provide rehabilitation and therapies that prepare patients for a safe and healthy return to society. Patients and the MDT will identify meaningful, understandable and realistic goals that need to be achieved by all for the patient to progress through escorted, then unescorted leave and eventually a safe and successful discharge to the community. Patients will be supported in enhancing existing skills and developing new skills.  A key part of this will include working towards taking greater ownership of their risk management and relapse prevention.