Our primary aim is to make the referral process as simple and streamlined as possible for you.
To start the process, simply complete a referral form, which can be downloaded here and we can begin the next stages of arranging for your patient to receive an assessment by one of our expert clinicians
In addition, if you could enclose any additional information that will aid our clinicians in their assessment, this would assist the process, such as:
- Admission summary
- Psychiatric reports
- Discharge summaries from previous hospitals
- Copies of other assessments done by referrers
- Court reports
- Record of previous convictions (if applicable)
- Risk assessments
- Latest MHRT report
- Information on funding authority/ies
Once completed, the referral letter/form and additional information should be sent to the Admissions Office by fax on 01604 603218 or by post to: Admissions, St Andrew's Healthcare, Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5DG.
Our referral process is as follows:
1. Screening of all referrals is completed by the responsible medical officer and clinical team against the relevant admission criteria. Contact is made with the family (where applicable), carers and social worker.
2. If your patient is deemed suitable for assessment, we will liaise with the appropriate funding authority for confirmation that they are happy for this assessment to go ahead, and then we will liaise with you regarding a suitable time to assess. In order to limit delay in the referral, please ensure that details of the funding authority are provided with the referral form if possible.
3. Upon clinical acceptance, our Admissions Officer will organise initial funding and liaise with you regarding Mental Health Act issues if required. An initial care plan and risk assessment is completed prior to admission, including allocation of keyworker and named nurse. This includes any special nursing requirements.
4. When a bed is available, preparation for admission will usually take two to three weeks.
5. Risk assessment is reviewed within the first four weeks of admission.
Our Admissions Office will be available to offer you help if you require it during the referral procedure.