Our Clinical Pathway
At Elizabeth House Hospital, we are committed to delivering high-quality, acute inpatient mental health services tailored to the needs of individuals experiencing crises or acute episodes of mental illness. Our comprehensive clinical pathway is structured to provide seamless, patient-centred care from admission through to discharge, ensuring individuals receive the support they need at every stage of their recovery journey. This pathway reflects our core values of safety, dignity, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.
In the first 12 - 72 hours
Safety and immediate needs are met and initial treatment commenced. Discharge address will be confirmed where possible. Initial assessment and care plan will be agreed.
In week 1
Full MDT meeting will be held to discuss care and treatment.
Any adjustments made will be inclusive of patient involvement.
Within 28 days
A full assessment will be completed. A plan for a supportive discharge will be made.
Within 3 months of being admitted
We aim for no longer than 28 days admission for most people. Our current average length of stay is 20.7 days. As part of the pathway patients will have commenced a clear treatment programme to complete individual discharge plans will be regularly updated to ensure a timely, appropriate and effective discharge.
Delayed Discharge
We understand that every patient is an individual and that the time for assessment and treatment may vary for each person however if patients are within the acute service for longer than average {28 days} we will view this as a “delayed discharge”. The hospital will work hard with care coordinators to support a timely discharge.
Admission Process
The journey through our clinical pathway begins at the point of admission, which is often a critical and distressing time for individuals and their families. To ensure a smooth transition into our care, we prioritise swift, compassionate, and efficient admission procedures.
Initial Admission and Prioritisation
When a referral is made, our admissions team works promptly to assess and confirm suitability for our services. We accept patients detained under the Mental Health Act as well as those admitted informally. Once approved, the focus shifts to ensuring a safe and stabilising environment. This includes:
Gathering comprehensive patient information.
Collaborating with community mental health teams, care coordinators, and referrers.
Identifying immediate safety concerns and risk factors.
Comprehensive Initial Assessment
Within the first 12 to 72 hours of admission, a thorough initial assessment is conducted to understand the patient’s mental, physical, and emotional health needs. This assessment includes:
Psychiatric evaluations by our Consultant Psychiatrists.
Risk assessments to ensure the safety of both the patient and others.
Input from nursing staff, psychologists, and other members of our multidisciplinary team (MDT).
Establishing a discharge address where possible to aid long-term planning.
The data gathered during this period forms the foundation of a bespoke care plan that aligns with the patient’s needs, preferences, and recovery goals.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Approach
At Elizabeth House, the cornerstone of our clinical pathway is the collaborative work of our MDT. Each patient benefits from the expertise of a diverse team of professionals, ensuring holistic, comprehensive care. Our MDT comprises:
Consultant Psychiatrists and Associate Specialists, who lead on diagnosis and treatment.
Psychologists (both consultant and assistant) who deliver therapeutic interventions.
Registered Nurses and Healthcare Assistants providing 24-hour care.
Pharmacy Technicians to manage and review medication plans.
Physical Health Leads addressing physical health concerns in tandem with mental health care.
Activity Coordinators ensuring patients remain engaged in meaningful activities during their stay.
Weekly MDT Reviews
Within the first week of admission, an MDT meeting is held to review the initial assessment findings and solidify the care plan. Subsequent weekly MDT meetings are conducted to:
Monitor progress against the care plan.
Address emerging needs or challenges.
Collaborate with patients to ensure their voices are central to the decision-making process.
Our MDT operates with a recovery-focused ethos, seeking to empower patients to regain control over their lives and achieve long-term stability.
Treatment and Therapy
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Treatment at Elizabeth House Hospital is grounded in evidence-based practices, tailored to each individual’s diagnosis and personal circumstances. Our therapeutic programmes aim to stabilise mental health, build resilience, and foster recovery. Key components include:
Pharmacological Treatment: Managed by our psychiatric team, with regular reviews to ensure optimal outcomes and minimise side effects.
Psychological Therapies: Delivered by our psychologists, these include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapies.
Occupational Therapy and Activities: Our activity coordinators work closely with patients to provide structured, meaningful activities that promote well-being and skill development.
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Understanding that many patients have experienced trauma, we adopt a trauma-informed approach to care. This includes:
Ensuring physical and emotional safety.
Building trust and fostering collaboration between staff and patients.
Promoting autonomy and empowering patients to make choices about their care.
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Mental health recovery cannot occur in isolation from physical well-being. Our Physical Health Lead works closely with patients to address any co-existing physical health conditions, promote healthy lifestyle habits, and ensure regular monitoring of vital signs and medication impacts.
Facilities and Environment
Elizabeth House Hospital provides a nurturing and secure environment conducive to recovery. Our facilities include:
30 En-Suite Bedrooms: Ensuring privacy and comfort for every patient.
Three Specialist Wards:
King Ward: A 15-bed acute ward for males.
Castle Ward: A 10-bed acute ward for females.
Swithland Ward: A 5-bed flexible ward for individuals requiring specialised care.
Communal Areas: Designed to encourage social interaction and reduce isolation.
Therapy Rooms: For individual and group therapy sessions.
Outdoor Spaces: Providing opportunities for relaxation and exercise.
Our hospital environment has been carefully designed to balance safety with comfort, creating a space where patients feel secure and supported.
Ongoing Care and Monitoring
Recovery is a dynamic process, requiring continuous assessment and adaptation of care plans. At Elizabeth House, we ensure:
Regular Care Plan Reviews: Conducted by the MDT in collaboration with patients.
Outcome Monitoring: Using validated tools to measure progress and adjust interventions accordingly.
Family and Carer Involvement: Where appropriate, families and carers are engaged in the care process to ensure continuity of support.
Discharge Planning
Discharge planning begins at the point of admission and evolves throughout the patient’s stay. A proactive approach ensures a seamless transition back into the community, minimising the risk of relapse.
Preparing for Discharge
Key elements of discharge preparation include:
Ensuring stabilisation of mental health symptoms.
Developing robust aftercare plans in collaboration with community mental health teams.
Providing patients with resources and tools for self-management.
Average Length of Stay
We aim for an average length of stay of 20 to 28 days, reflecting our commitment to efficient, effective care. If a patient’s stay exceeds 28 days, it is classified as a "delayed discharge." In such cases, we work closely with care coordinators and external agencies to expedite discharge while maintaining safety and well-being.
Post-Discharge Support
Recovery does not end with discharge; ongoing support is critical to long-term success. Elizabeth House Hospital facilitates post-discharge care by:
Coordinating with community services to ensure continuity of care.
Providing patients with clear relapse prevention strategies.
Offering follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any challenges.
Commitment to Quality and Safety
At Elizabeth House Hospital, quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do. Our services are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), ensuring compliance with the highest standards of care. Specific measures include:
Robust Risk Management: To safeguard patients, staff, and visitors.
Staff Training and Development: Ensuring our team is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
Patient Feedback: Actively sought and used to drive continuous improvement.
Person-Centred Approach
A hallmark of our clinical pathway is its focus on person-centred care. We believe that every individual is unique, and our approach reflects this by:
Involving patients in all aspects of their care planning and decision-making.
Respecting and valuing diversity, including cultural and religious beliefs.
Providing care that is empathetic, respectful, and non-judgmental.
Holistic Recovery Philosophy
Our philosophy extends beyond treating symptoms; we strive to address the whole person. This holistic approach includes:
Emotional Well-Being: Through therapy, counselling, and supportive relationships.
Social Integration: Encouraging participation in group activities and rebuilding social connections.
Practical Support: Assisting with housing, employment, and other life challenges.
Research and Innovation
Elizabeth House Hospital is committed to advancing the field of mental health care through research and innovation. We regularly review and update our practices to incorporate the latest evidence and emerging technologies.
The Role of Partnerships
Collaboration is key to the success of our clinical pathway. We work closely with:
Community Mental Health Teams: To ensure seamless transitions of care.
Families and Carers: Recognising their vital role in the recovery process.
External Agencies and Organisations: Leveraging additional resources and expertise to benefit our patients.
Exclusion Criteria
To maintain our focus on providing specialist acute mental health care, we are unable to admit individuals whose primary needs fall outside our expertise. Exclusion criteria include:
Severe physical health issues requiring hospitalisation.
Primary diagnoses of eating disorders or substance misuse.
Long-term segregation needs.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Elizabeth House Hospital remains steadfast in its mission to provide high-quality, compassionate mental health care. Through our clinical pathway, we aim to empower individuals to overcome challenges, rediscover hope, and achieve lasting recovery.
Whether you or a loved one are seeking support, Elizabeth House Hospital is here to guide you on the path to better mental health.