Better Outcomes for People with a Learning Disability

Quality Network Public Statements

Our Service

The Northgate and Prudhoe NHS Trust is a specialist disability service providing support, care and treatment for people with a disability who either live locally or live in other parts of the country.

Our specialist focus means that we are able to offer a wide range of services for people with disabilities with a wide variety of needs.  Some needs will be met on highly specialised in-patients units, others through accessible treatment in the community.  We also offer support for those living in the community who may live in small group homes, independently or at home with their family.

The review took place between February and March 2004.

The services we reviewed were in the Forensic Division, who provide assessment, intensive treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals who have offended or who have demonstrated offending behaviour.

The review team visited one gentleman on the Medium Secure Unit, two ladies on female Forensic Service’s locked unit and one gentleman on a Forensic rehabilitation unit.

The Child and Adolescent Division who provide in-patient assessment and treatment services for young people who have a psychiatric disturbance in addition to a learning disability.  Stephenson House who participated in the visits offers in-patient facilities within a low secure setting for adolescents who have a mild learning disability.

Our review team consisted of one service user, two members of the nursing staff, a non-executive director, support services manager, senior divisional manager and the Day Services Modernisation Project Worker.

Findings - What is going well

• Service users can access a structured programme of activities on the hospital site, Monday to Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.

• There are opportunities for accredited based learning.

• The services are committed to maintaining links with the families.

• The service users said they feel safe and free from bullying.

• The services encourage people to stay fit and well, access to well man, well woman sessions, opportunity to lose weight, gave up smoking.

• Good access to healthcare both on and off the hospital site e.g. GP, dentist, optician, and dietician.

• Service users do get involved in their care plans.

What we need to improve

• We need to ensure that we provide service users with a range of skills that can lead to employment.

• We need to extend opportunities for activities and leisure on the hospital site at the weekend and in the evening.

• We need to support service users and provide more opportunities for them to establish friendships.

• We need to increase community participation as part of the rehabilitation process.

• We need to increase the number of choices and decisions people can make whilst living in a secure environment.

The steps we intend to take

• The Day Services Modernisation Team will incorporate the findings of this review into remodelling of the service.

• The service is committed to carrying out a review of ward routines, systems and current practice so as we can maximise choice within a secure setting.

• The organisation is committed to implementating a Person Centred Approach across the service divisions, this will include promoting community participation and looking creatively at developing a befriending service.

Moray Allan

Director of Nursing and Operations