The Estia Centre is closely linked to clinical services for people with learning disabilities that are provided by the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. These services include the Specialist Community Mental Health in Learning Disabilities Team, Specialist Psychology Service and the Weston Unit.
The MHiLD Service consists of psychiatrists and community psychiatric nurses and provides services across Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark. The service works closely with the local Community Teams for Adults with Learning Disabilities (CLDT), Social Services and local mental health services. The team provides two distinct but intertwined functions; clinical and service related.
On a clinical level the service offers highly specialised assessment, advice, treatment and prevention of mental health problems. Intervenions may be home or outpatient based, depending on the needs of the individual. The MHiLD Service uses all the facilities of mainstream mental health services, including acute and medium stay in-patient beds, and a variety of community resources.
On a service level advice, consultation and support is offered to other clinical services, such as mainstream community and inpatient services and organisations that provide direct support to service users. Training is often delivered in collaboration the Estia Centre, focusing on educating carers and support staff about the mental health needs of the person.
The Specialist Psychology Service consists of Clinical Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, Behavioural Support Workers and Counsellors working as part of the Community Teams for Adults with Learning Disabilities in Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.
The main aim of the service is to work with its partners in ensuring that people with learning disabilities experience a good quality of life. This is achieved by working closely with service users directly and/or with parents, partners, carers or support staff. The service offers a variety of therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy, counselling and positive behavioural interventions. The service offers a variety of training initiatives through the Estia Centre and tailored made packages for individual service users.
Other areas that the service has been focusing on is supporting people with learning disabilities in making decisions for themselves and ensuring that the rights of individuals who cannot give consent are upheld. The team also audits the implementation of good practice in services for people whose behaviour is challenging and is developing ways of enhancing user involvemnent in service and strategy development.
We offer evidence-based treatment for people with complex mental health needs, who require specialist assessment and treatment. Our service is needs led, person centred, and addresses specific questions affecting mental health and quality of life issues. We are committed to facilitating and promoting mental well-being, to allow our patients to return to a life in the community which helps them to fulfil their aspirations, whilst taking account of the support they need to achieve this. Our aim is to promote the values of inclusion, rights, control and independent living for people with learning disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. Our treatment can last from one month to a year, and is offered in an open unit. It has been proven to bring significant longer term care and cost benefits for referrers, as patients are allowed to recover in less restrictive settings. Our treatment is also designed to avoid the need for hospital re-admission or higher cost secure accommodation.
The Bethlem
The Unit is based on The Bethlem Royal Hospital site in Beckenham, which is the perfect therapeutic environment, set within 270 acres of green space. The facilities include nature walks, a gym and swimming pool, and an onsite art gallery. An extensive occupational therapy programme includes activities like computing, creative art, sewing and textiles, aikido, drumming, drama, gardening, community art projects, woodwork, digital photography, karaoke, an organic kitchen garden, and pottery. Patients also have the use of the community centre, chapel and museum.
The Unit
Our unit is on the ground floor and has wheelchair access. Facilities on the ward include: Separate areas for men and women A modern sitting room and dining area that provides a choice of healthy snacks and drinks throughout the day Space for intensive support, which can also be converted to a place to trial independent living Designated rooms in the unit for a range of therapeutic interventions An off the ward family room, for visitors to spend time with patients Patients will be encouraged to make choices for themselves throughout their stay, like choosing the colours of soft furnishings they would like in their bedrooms, as well as supported participation in their treatment plans. They will also have regular opportunities to provide feedback to staff about their experiences during their stay.
The Team
Our core clinical team includes psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and behavioural support specialists, who bring together a range of skills that benefit each individual patient. All patients will have: Support from an allocated team involving all professionals Individual care from a named key nurse A named care co-ordinator Therapeutic psychiatric intervention Regular physical health checks, as needed Opportunities to see additional therapists as identified in individual care plans
Egilibilty Criteria
18 65 years Male and female Significant learning disabilities (mild to severe), and complex mental health needs (mental illness, autism, challenging or offending behaviours, personality disorders) Individuals who require specialist assessment and treatment, and whose needs cannot be met by their local service provider Both informal patients and those detained under the Mental Health Act 2007
Contact
For further information please contact Lynette Kennedy, Operations Manager on 020 3228 9742 or email: lynette.kennedy@slam.nh.uk