amber lodge - rdash nhs foundation trust · promoting health and quality of life for the people and...

RDaSH leading the way with care

Amber Lodge

Information booklet for Amber Lodge

Contents

Welcome 4

Smoking cessation 4

Rehabilitiation and recovery 5

Intensive Support Unit 5

First days 6

Physical health care 7

Equality, diversity and inclusion 8

Security and searches 8

What happens on the ward 10

Road to Recovery 10

Therapeutic activities 11

Medication 13

What do you need in hospital 13

Meet the team 15

Keeping in contact 16

Visiting 17

Triangle of Care 19

Unite Together group 20

Jargon buster 21

Contact details 22

2 | Amber Lodge

www.rdash.nhs.uk | 3

We work in partnership with Individuals using a recovery based approach.

This enables individuals to develop to their full potential in all aspects of

their lives.

Our Vision

Leading the way with care to reduce risk and support individuals to step

down to a less secure environment.

Our Mission

Promoting health and quality of life for the people and the communities

we serve. To promote inclusion of all individuals and carers with

professionals in every aspect of their care.

Philosophy of Care

To aim to provide a safe, therapeutic environment delivering intensive and

comprehensive, individualised care packages for individuals with learning

disabilities who demonstrate challenging behaviours, in the context of

various mental health problems and offending behaviours. By maintaining

positive, effective engagement, in the least restrictive way.

Welcome to Amber Lodge

We hope this booklet will tell you what you want to know

about our service.

Amber Lodge is a 23 bedded male only low secure learning

disability service with single en suite bedrooms. We provide

specialist assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for adult males with

learning disabilities detained under the Mental Health Act (1983).

Amber Lodge has two units:

• Rehabilitation and Recovery Unit which has 18 beds.

• Intensive Support Unit which has five beds.

All patients benefit from a diverse and stimulating range of therapeutic

activities, a holistic approach to their health and well-being and a Reinforce

Appropriate Inplode Disruptive – known as ‘RAID’ -focused positive

reinforcement approach. We also promote a ‘safewards’ environment that

impacts on reducing restrictive interventions.

We are a Smoke Free Service and Trust and this means that smoking is not

permitted within the grounds or at Amber Lodge. This includes the use of all

types of eCigarettes.

We have a team of Smoking Cessation Champions, who are trained staff who

will support patients to stop smoking. This will be achieved by offering advice and

support, alongside using combinations of nicotine replacement therapies.

4 | Amber Lodge

Rehabilitation and Recovery Unit

The Rehabilitation and Recovery Unit consists of 18 beds. It is focused on

patients being actively involved and engaged in their treatment, setting

achievable, realistic goals and outcomes. This enables a smooth risk free or

reduction of previous risk, that allows for transitioning to a lower level of

procedural security or into supported community living. The pathway can

be successfully achieved based upon patient engagement in prescribed

therapies and treatment groups delivered for each individual’s specific

needs, in relation to risk, offending, and challenging behaviours.

We offer and monitor social skills through life skills and day to day

activities ranging from simple board games, through to budgeting,

supermarket trips, meal preparation and kitchen safety. We have an

educational programme where patients are enrolled in Maths and English,

with full academic certificate at the end of each course. We have work

based placements for patients who are deemed physically fit and lower

risk when out in community settings, taking care of local horse stables,

community green land and forestry, along with local garden centres.

Intensive Support Unit

The Intensive Support Unit (ISU) has five beds and is focused

on offering intensive support to individuals who are requiring

higher levels of support in a smaller environment. ISU has a

dedicated team of professionals, including Consultant Forensic

Psychiatrist, Psychology, Occupational Therapists, Dietician,

Advocate and Nursing Team, who work together to promote each individual’s

care pathway through the use of ‘My Shared Pathway’ Model, looking at


‘My Risks’, ‘My Recovery’, ‘My Relationships’, ‘Shared Understanding’ and ‘My

Health’. This helps the team and individuals to be more aware and think of

strategies and tools to manage risks. We also use Wellness and Recovery Action

Planning (WRAP) to work with Individuals to be able to recognise factors, and

triggers that may affect an individual’s offending and challenging behaviour.

The team work together in a positive proactive way to lower risks and build

therapeutic relationships that enable the team to reinforce positive behaviour,

and reduce restrictive interventions.

First days

Members of the team will meet you on arrival and show

you to your room where you can store your belongings.

We will show you everything you need to know. You will

have a tour of the ward so you know where everything is

and introduce you to other patients, when you feel up to

it. You will be allocated a member of staff who will support and advise

you, answering any questions you have. We know that coming to a new

hospital can be difficult, and that you may feel worried or anxious, but we

are here to offer support, assistance, and listen to your needs. Please ask

us if you need help with anything. There may be people you would like

to content – with your consent we can help you get in touch with your

family and friends so they know how to reach you.

Mental Health - Capacity and Consent

On arrival at the ward we will work with you to find the best time for the

doctor and nurse to assess you somewhere private. We will discuss with you

how you are feeling and about your admission. You have been transferred to

6 | Amber Lodge

us on a Section, your rights under the Mental Health Act will be explained to

you. We will also talk to you about your capacity and consent and how we

can support you with these. You can appeal against your detention in hospital

and you can do this by requesting a hospital managers hearing and/or a First

Tier Tribunal. You just need to talk to your named nurse who will help you

with this.

Physical health care

Physical health can affect how you feel generally. We proactively

treat your physical health alongside your mental health needs.

With your consent, on admission, you will be offered a full

physical health check where any medical concerns or conditions

will be highlighted and treated. We also may arrange routine blood and urine

tests.

Tell us if you are worried about your health in any way, we will ask you a few

routine questions about your medical history to assist you and offer the best

care. We complete monthly health checks with your consent. Your Body Mass

Index (BMI) will be calculated from your weight, blood pressure, temperature,

oxygen levels, and a urine sample will be tested, so we can be aware of any

concerns.

We have a local GP that visits the ward every week in case anyone has any

concerns they wish to discuss with them. We also have access to a dentist,

optician, dietician and podiatrist as well as any other general health services

you may require. We actively promote as a staff team with support from the

OTs and dietician, a healthy life style, education and awareness, including

healthy eating, exercise, smoking cessation, testicular cancer awareness and life

style choices.


Equality, diversity and inclusion

Everyone is an individual with their own rights, needs, culture, beliefs,

and religion. There may be many things that are important to you and we

will listen to your requirements and needs, and we will try to enable and

support you to make sure your preferences and needs are respected, and

facilitated where ever possible.

As a service we will make sure that all aspects of your care are

individualised and personalised to you, with each person at the centre

of their care. There are facilities at Amber Lodge for spiritual needs and

spiritual leaders can visit you on the ward. Just ask a member of staff and

they will help you to done this.

Advocacy

We have an independent advocate that visits Amber Lodge. This is a free

and confidential service. The advocate can provide support and help to

get your views, choices and complaints heard.

Security and Searches

At Amber Lodge we strive to work together with

professionals, patients, their family and friends to maintain

a positive environment. We aim to proactively work towards

reducing restrictive interventions around the environment,

property and you, dependent on level of risk. We are a secure service and

as such all patients are detained under the Mental Health Act. There are

Trust and bespoke Amber Lodge service policies and procedures that we

all have to follow. There are certain restrictions that are non-negotiable

that have to be in place to keep everyone safe. This includes you, family

8 | Amber Lodge

and friends and professionals. Some non-negotiable boundaries involve

policies and procedures, for example the building and the environment.

There are also negotiable boundaries that we can all work together to

keep everyone safe and give clear expectations so that everyone knows

what behaviour is acceptable from you and also staff, to be able to work

together in a positive, supportive way.

It may mean at times as part of your care that we will have to carry out

room searches or personal searches with you. We might also have to test

individuals for illicit substances. Staff will always involve you and make

you aware of any searches or tests and the reasons why they are needed,

by having care plans in place. We also have restricted/banned items that

cannot be brought onto Amber Lodge by visitors or patients. We will talk

to you and explain the reasons why, if you are unsure of anything.

Restricted/banned items


• Alcohol

• Mobile phones

• Cameras

• Keys

• Chewing gum

• Carrier bags

• Glass

• Aerosols

• Weapons

• Blue tac

• Money

• Matches/lighters

• Cigarettes

• Recording devices

• Drugs – prescribed

and non-prescribed

• Sharps – razors,

knives, scissors etc.

What happens on the ward?

Assessment Period when you first arrive at a new hospital

there will be a period of assessment where you get to

know us and we get to know you. During this time you

may be required to complete some assessments and these will be done with

your named nurse, team and other multi-disciplinary team (MDT) members

such as OTs. These assessments will enable all of us to make sure that you

get the individualised treatment package most suited to your current needs

and risks. If you need more information about the assessments you will be

required to complete talked to your named nurse or team. You will be asked

to complete a ‘My Shared Pathway’ which looks at, safety/ risks, health,

relationships, shared understanding and me and my recovery. This will be a

useful tool to help your personal journey for recovery. You will also be asked to

complete a WRAP that will help you and everyone else support you to remain

well but also when you are in crisis. The MDT will meet every fortnight with

you to discuss your treatment, progress and future plans. You have a right to

know who will be present at the meetings and request family and friends to

attend if you have given your consent for them be involved in your care.

Road to Recovery

We will support you and work in partnership with you along

your care pathway to enable you leave behind the things

that slow down your journey to wellness and recovery in all

areas of you life, including social, leisure, health, community,

relationships, challenging and offending behaviours and spiritual

activities. We strive for increased independence, and the highest quality of life for

all individuals, with you at the centre of your care.

10 | Amber Lodge


Therapeutic activities

At Amber Lodge, patients are encouraged to attend

a range of therapeutic activities organised by our

Occupational Therapy team. These are based on the ward,

the hospital site or in the community. Patients are assessed regarding

their suitability for the various sessions, and are invited to try them

out before they are included in their weekly timetable. “Occupational

therapy provides practical support to empower people to facilitate

recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the activities

(or occupations) that matter to them. This support increases people’s

independence and satisfaction in all aspects of life” Occupational therapy

takes a “whole-person approach” to both mental and physical health

and wellbeing and enables individuals to achieve their full potential. – The

Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

The nursing team will also support you to work in partnership with your

team to design your own weekly activity planner to go alongside the OT

planned sessions. All patients are encouraged to achieve a minimum of

25 hours meaningful activity per week. This is to improve and promote

positive engagement. It is a positive link between the professionals and

you. This is evidence of engagement and mood, and following your care

pathway and treatment plans. This will support your recovery and enable

you to develop new skills and move forward on your care pathway.

12 | Amber Lodge

Copy of Amber Lodge OT weekly activity session planner

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayBreakfast Club 8.15-9.00am

Breakfast Club 8.15-9.00am




Work Placement:

Doncaster Council Woodlands

9am-3pm

Coffee Morning 10-11am

Work Placement:

Rossington Stables

9am-12noon

Education with Tutor

9am-12noon (R&R)

Opal Centre Gym Sessions

10am-12noon

Meal Recipe Planning

10-11am

Gardening & Vegetable Growing 1pm

Wooden Model Making 1-2pm

Art Group 10am-12noon

Ward Community Meeting

Education Catch-up Sessions

11am-12noon

Unit Gym

Sessions

2-4pm

Tai Chi

2.30-3.30pm

Education with Tutor

1-2pm (ISU)

1:1 Patient Cooking Session

Medication

Medication may be part of your treatment plan. We can

provide information for any medication prescribed for you.

Your doctor, named nurses and pharmacists are available

for advice on medication, side affects, or any other concerns you have.

Any reviews, or changes of medication will be discussed with you, with

your responsible clinician and the clinical team. The nursing team will also

complete regular side effect monitoring booklets with you, so everyone is

aware of any problems that may be affecting you.

What should you bring with you when you are admitted to Amber Lodge?

Personal Items

You can bring personal belongings and things that are important to you, but

please be aware that space is limited. We have to follow Health and Safety

and Infection Prevention and Control guidelines. This means that if you have a

lot of belongings they may have to be sent home to your family or friends or

placed into storage until your discharge. Staff will talk to you about this before

you are admitted so you can make arrangements before you come. All items

belonging to you will be checked and put onto a personal inventory for you by

your team. This enables us to keep your property safely and securely until you are

discharged.

Electrical appliances

You can bring electrical appliances such as TVs, games and

consoles, but unless newly purchased before being able to

use these items they must be checked by our electricians


and PAT (safety) tested so that they are safe to use. In some cases MDT

will make the decision when it is appropriate for these appliances to be in

your room.

Valuables/Money

We recommend not to bring valuables or large amounts

of money with you that are not necessary for day to day

living. If you do bring money or valuables into hospital with

you, please speak to a nurse if you wish to have them kept

secure by the Trust. If you hand any money or valuables in

for safe keeping you will be given a receipt. You can deposit money into a

hospital bank account while you are with us, or arrange to have your benefits

paid directly into your hospital account. You can request a balance or ask any

questions during working hours on Monday – Fridays, and withdraw money

from our Cash Office Monday – Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm. You will need

to speak to your team to complete the appropriate withdrawal forms. Our

Finance Department can also order goods from shops or online, whatever your

requirements, just ask and we will see what we can do to help. You can also

receive benefit advice and arrange to pay any bills whilst you’re in our care. The

Finance Department has also set up a mini savings club. So if you want to save

for a rainy day, Christmas or something special just ask for details.

Food/ drink

We do not keep food items in bedrooms.This is for Health

and Safety, and Infection Prevention and Control reasons

and follows our Trust’s policies and procedures. Lockers

are provided for every patient in communal areas where

you can store your shop items safely and where they can

be accessed when required. Shop items can be purchased weekly and

14 | Amber Lodge

you will be supported by your team to buy any shop items required until

Section 17 Leave allows you to access community and purchase items

yourself. Food is ordered weekly for our on-site kitchen, and is brought

to the ward daily for serving by staff. We have regular themed nights and

takeaways. Also after being assessed by the OTs, the opportunity to self-

cater could be available. The menu choices take into account daily dietary

needs and respect for cultural and religious requirements where required.

Meet The Team

The professionals working on Amber Lodge are:

• Service Manager – Manages and leads forensic

services.

• Responsible Clinician – Consultant Psychiatrist who is responsible for

the care and treatment of your family or friend.

• Ward Manager – Manages the ward, ensuring quality of care is

delivered throughout the service.

• Ward Sister/Charge Nurse – Supports the Ward Manager, develops

and ensures high levels of clinical care.

• Named Nurse and Associate Named Nurse – These are the qualified

nurses that co-ordinate the care for your family or friend.

• Specialist Interest Worker (SIW) and Associate SIW – These are Support

Workers allocated to support the patient and the Named Nurse in

their team.

• Psychologist – These are the doctors that specialise in offering planned

therapy sessions.


• OT – These are the professionals that work with patients to complete

assessments and offer activities that engage the patient to enhance

daily living skills, structure and routine.

• Family and Friend Link Champion – These are the staff that work on

the unit and also have been given the role of offering advice, support,

information, recognition and involvement to all named family and

friends.

• Dietician – Trained staff to promote dietary health and well being.

• Advocate – Independent person who listens and helps to resolve

complaints.

• Chaplin – Responsible for spiritual care for individuals.

You will also have access to other professionals as required i.e. Podiatrist.

Keeping In Contact

Both units on Amber Lodge have their own pay phones for

the use of patients. These are coin operated and can be used

to make and receive calls. There is also a phone that can be

accessed and used free of charge to ring solicitors, advocates

and other professionals in their care. Some patients also have

Care Plans in place to enable them to have their own unit supplied mobile.

These are basic models and are not Smart Phones

16 | Amber Lodge

Section 17 Leave

This is planned leave, escorted or unescorted, from

hospital. This will be different for each individual and

will be discussed and agreed at regular review meetings

with the Responsible Clinician and nurses. For all Section 17 Leave,

Grounds and Community, it will be necessary for all individuals to have

a Section 17 Care pathway in place, as well as authorisation from the

Responsible Clinician, and if required Ministry of Justice Approval. Section

17 Authorisation will state specific conditions for each individual’s leave

entitlement and any conditions.

Visiting

Staff at Amber Lodge will encourage and assist patients

where ever possible to maintain positive and fulfilling

contact and relationships with their family and friends,

with your consent.

No children under the age of 18 will be permitted access to Amber Lodge,

but visits can be arranged and facilitated in other locations at Tickhill Road

Site after discussions with MDT.

There is free carparking outside of Amber Lodge.

Amber Lodge is a low secure unit that has restrictions to the items that

can be brought into the unit. The reception staff and members of the

nursing team are always friendly and will be able to support your visitors

whilst in reception. They will offer advice and instruction on personal

belongings before entering Amber Lodge. Visitors will also have to sign in

and out at reception, in case there is a fire/ evacuation so we know who is


present on the unit, and leave any restricted items in the lockers provided

in reception. All visitors entering the unit have to be issued with and wear

a personal alarm which is part of the security of being in a low secure

unit, and follows the Trust’s policies and procedures.

The visitors room at Amber Lodge is situated opposite the airlock doors

and all visitors will enter patient areas when accessing the unit supported

by staff. The visitors’ room has toilet facilities, and a hot drinks machine

that is free for any visitors or you to use.

There are times when visits will have to be supervised by staff due to level of

risks, observation levels, or support needed. This may mean that staff have to

be present with you during the visit. Staff will be as unobtrusive as possible

and understand that this could cause some distress or discomfort, but they will

at all times try to enable everyone to have a positive visit by offering support,

engagement and understanding.

All visits should be booked through reception, where the dedicated office

staff are available to book visits over the telephone between 9am and

4.30pm Monday to Friday. We ask where possible to allow 48 hours

notice before a visit. This is to ensure that you are available for the visit

and that the nursing team can assess the visit to make sure you are well

enough and that the visit is appropriate.

Amber Lodge has the right to terminate or refuse entry if it is deemed

that the visit is not appropriate for the patient, or that staff, patients or

visitors are at risk from abuse or violence and aggression.

Visitors must not give patients any item on the restricted/ banned items

list and must declare any gifts before the visit is permitted.

Amber Lodge is working hard to monitor, manage and reduce risk,

18 | Amber Lodge

whilst at all times balancing therapy and security in the least restrictive

environment possible, keeping everyone safe. We are striving to work

together, in partnership with patients, family and friends, in the least

restrictive manner, to ensure decisions around risk, are assessed as

appropriate and give patients quality of life.

Triangle of Care

The Triangle of Care is a therapeutic alliance between

professionals, the patient and family and friends that

promotes safety, supports recovery and sustains

wellbeing. The Trust joined the scheme in 2013 and

is working hard to improve our services and meet the

required standards. The scheme was developed by The

Carers’ Trust to promote good practice to include and recognise family

and friends as partners in care. At Amber Lodge, across the two units,

there are six dedicated staff and a Lead Link Champion as well as the

staff to provide advice, support, face to face meetings, home visits and

complete carer assessments, to answer questions and just to be a friendly

face to link everyone together.

We are always here to help.


Amber Lodge ‘Unite Together’ Family and Friends Group

‘Unite Together’ is a support group for the family and

friends of patients at Amber Lodge. We have meetings

every four months so that all family and friends have the chance to get

together for coffee, cake and a chat! This is a good chance for everyone

to get to hear about any news and events that are happening at Amber

Lodge, but also to have the opportunity to listen to a guest speaker, raise

any concerns or seek advice and support. Family and friends that patients

have identified will be invited to the Unite Together family and friends

next meeting. There will also be posters around Amber Lodge and the

visitors room to remind everyone about the time, date and location of

next meeting. Unite Together support group will also produce a quarterly

newsletter for family and friends that will be posted out, and if anyone

has any interesting facts, information or events that they would like to be

in the newsletter please contact a member of the Family and Friends Link

Champions.

20 | Amber Lodge

Jargon buster

SIW – Special Interest Worker – this is a Support

Worker who is in the patients team

NN – Named Nurse – this is a Qualified Nurse

OT – Occupational Therapist

RC – Responsible Clinician

MoJ – Ministry of Justice

MDT – Multi Disciplinary Team

CPA – Care Programme Approach

MHA – Mental Health Act (1983)

MCA – Mental Capacity Act (2005)

WRAP – Wellness and Recovery Action Plan

MSP – My Shared Pathway


Contact details:

Address

Amber Lodge

Tickhill Road Site

Balby

Doncaster

DN4 8QN

Telephone numbers

Nursing Office ISU – 01302 798161

Nursing Office R&R – 01302 798160

Patient’s phone: .............................................................................

ISU Patients: - 01302 798461

R&R Patients: - 01302798349

Booking visits

01302 798156

Please ring 09.30am – 4.30pm. Also please give at least 48hrs notice

before visits.

22 | Amber Lodge

This information is correct at the time of publishing Last Reviewed: September 2017

geta p p r o v e d

DP8211/09.17

We are a smokefree organisation.Please provide a smoke free environment for your healthcare provider

amber lodge - rdash nhs foundation trust · promoting health and quality of life for the people and...

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