Referrals
At Elizabeth House Hospital, we are committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality care for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. As a 29-bed hospital in Lincolnshire, we offer specialist inpatient mental health services for adults aged 18 and above. Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals provides evidence-based treatment and holistic care, supporting individuals with complex mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, severe depression, personality disorders, and those who engage in self-harm. Referrals to Elizabeth House Hospital are an essential part of ensuring that individuals in need of intensive support receive the right care at the right time.
Who Can Be Referred to Elizabeth House Hospital?
Elizabeth House Hospital provides inpatient mental health care for adults who are experiencing severe mental health difficulties that cannot be managed safely or effectively within a community setting. We accept referrals for both informal patients (those who voluntarily seek treatment) and individuals detained under the Mental Health Act. Our care is delivered in line with NHS England and NICE guidelines, with a focus on stabilisation, treatment, and facilitating effective discharge back into the community.
Mental Health Conditions We Treat
We specialise in treating a wide range of complex mental health conditions, including but not limited to:
Bipolar Disorder: Individuals who experience extreme mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows, which significantly impair their ability to function.
Psychosis: Individuals experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or disorganised thinking that disrupt their perception of reality.
Severe Depression: Individuals with treatment-resistant depression or those whose depressive symptoms severely impair their ability to carry out daily activities or pose a risk to their safety.
Personality Disorders: Particularly borderline personality disorder, where individuals may experience unstable emotions, difficulty maintaining relationships, impulsivity, and self-harm.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviour: Individuals who engage in self-harm or are at risk of suicide due to the severity of their mental health condition.
Our multidisciplinary team is equipped to manage individuals with complex needs who may have co-occurring issues such as anxiety, trauma, or difficulties with emotional regulation. We provide a trauma-informed approach to care, ensuring that patients are treated with compassion and respect.
The Referral Process
At Elizabeth House Hospital, we aim to make the referral process as streamlined and accessible as possible. Referrals can be made by healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, GPs, mental health crisis teams, and social workers. Families and carers are also encouraged to support individuals in accessing the care they need by working with healthcare professionals to facilitate the referral process.
1. Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Referral
Step 1: Initial Contact
The first step in the referral process is making initial contact with our admissions team. This can be done via phone or email. During this initial contact, we will gather some preliminary information about the individual being referred, including their current mental health status, medical history, and any immediate concerns.
Our admissions team will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about our services and suitability for the individual’s needs.
Step 2: Referral Form
After the initial contact, you will be asked to complete a detailed referral form. This form gathers essential information about the individual’s mental health condition, any previous treatments they have received, and their current care needs. Key information requested in the referral form includes:
Personal Details: Name, age, contact information, and next of kin.
Mental Health Diagnosis: Information about the individual’s current diagnosis, including any relevant details about their symptoms and mental health history.
Current Mental Health Status: Details about the individual’s current mental state, including any risk of self-harm, suicide, or harm to others.
Medications: A list of current medications the individual is taking and any previous medication trials or treatments.
Mental Health Act Status: Information about whether the individual is detained under the Mental Health Act, including relevant sections and any associated paperwork.
Previous Treatment History: Details about any previous inpatient admissions, community mental health support, or crisis interventions the individual has received.
Physical Health Information: A summary of any relevant physical health conditions or ongoing treatments.
Reason for Referral: A clear explanation of why the individual requires inpatient treatment at this time, including any concerns about safety or inability to manage in the community.
We understand that some referrals may be urgent, and in these cases, we will work quickly to expedite the process to ensure that the individual receives the care they need as soon as possible.
Step 3: Assessment
Once the referral form has been submitted, our multidisciplinary team will review the information provided to assess whether Elizabeth House Hospital is the right environment for the individual’s care. In some cases, we may request additional information or arrange for an initial assessment to be carried out by one of our mental health professionals.
This assessment may take place over the phone or in person, depending on the individual’s circumstances. During the assessment, we will explore the individual’s mental health needs in more detail, assess their risk factors, and discuss any concerns regarding their physical health or care needs.
The assessment process helps us ensure that the individual will benefit from our services and that we can provide the appropriate level of care and support for their recovery.
Step 4: Decision and Admission
Once the assessment is complete, our team will make a decision regarding the referral. If the individual is deemed suitable for admission, we will work with the referring professional and the individual’s family (if applicable) to arrange a suitable admission date.
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.
During the admission process, the individual will be welcomed into one of our three specialist wards, which include:
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.
Each ward offers a safe and therapeutic environment, with single-sex en-suite accommodation, communal lounges, therapy rooms, and access to outdoor spaces.
In cases where the individual is not suitable for admission to Elizabeth House Hospital, we will provide feedback to the referring professional and suggest alternative options that may be more appropriate for their needs.
Urgent and Crisis Referrals
We understand that there are times when individuals may require urgent admission due to a mental health crisis. Our team is equipped to handle urgent referrals for individuals who are at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or harm to others due to their mental health condition.
For urgent referrals, please contact our admissions team directly by phone to expedite the referral process. We will prioritise these referrals and work quickly to assess the individual’s needs and arrange an admission if appropriate.
Supporting Families and Carers During the Referral Process
We recognise the critical role that families and carers play in supporting individuals with severe mental health conditions. The referral process can be a challenging and emotional time for families, and we are committed to offering support and guidance throughout this process.
1. Involvement in the Referral Process
Families and carers are often the first to notice changes in their loved one’s mental health, and they may play an important role in initiating the referral process. While referrals must be made by a healthcare professional, we encourage families to work closely with the individual’s GP, psychiatrist, or mental health team to facilitate the referral.
We also encourage families to be involved in discussions about the individual’s treatment and care plan, both during the referral process and throughout their stay at Elizabeth House Hospital.
2. Providing Information and Support
We understand that families may have questions about the referral process, the types of care available at our hospital, and what to expect during their loved one’s stay. Our admissions team is available to provide information and answer any questions families may have. We also offer ongoing support for families, including regular updates on their loved one’s progress and guidance on how they can support recovery.
Post-Admission Support and Discharge Planning
Once an individual has been admitted to Elizabeth House Hospital, our focus is on stabilisation, treatment, and preparing for a successful discharge. From the outset, we work collaboratively with the individual, their family, and community mental health teams to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses their needs.
Discharge planning is a key part of the recovery process, and we begin this planning early in the individual’s stay to ensure a smooth transition back to the community. This may include:
Collaborating with Community Mental Health Teams: We work closely with community mental health teams, GPs, and social workers to ensure continuity of care after discharge.
Family Involvement: Families are involved in discharge planning to help them understand how they can support their loved one’s ongoing recovery.
Follow-Up Care: In some cases, follow-up care or outpatient services may be recommended to ensure that the individual continues to receive support after leaving our hospital.
At Elizabeth House Hospital, we are dedicated to providing high-quality inpatient mental health care for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises. Our referral process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, ensuring that individuals in need receive timely and appropriate care.
Whether you are a healthcare professional making a referral or a family member seeking help for a loved one, our team is here to guide you through the process and provide the support you need. We work collaboratively with patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for those in our care.