St Andrew’s Healthcare, Northampton includes specialised low secure services for the assessment, treatment and management of men and women, over the age of 18, at all stages of Huntington’s disease, including those detained under the Mental Health Act (1983).
The Harper Unit is the primary resource but further care pathways exist via the secure services for older men and women and the acquired brain injury unit where more significant risks in terms of challenging behaviour can be managed.
A comprehensive team of multidisciplinary clinicians is on site to meet the needs of service users. Skilled medical care is provided on site by a Consultant Psychiatrist, a visiting consultant physician, GP service, Dentist, Pharmacist, Podiatrist, and our team of dedicated and experienced Nursing staff. There are also links to the local Clinical Genetics department. Psychological support, including detailed continuous assessment and advice in relation to challenging behaviour and assessment of cognitive abilities is provided by the Consultant Neuropsychologist. Our Speech and Language Therapist, Dietician, and Dentist provide advice on swallowing, food and retexturing, assisted by videofluoroscopy from the local radiology department. Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists are key members of the team, and aim to maintain and maximise functional abilities and quality of life through providing wheelchair, seating and mobility assessments, and regular sessions both on the St Andrews site and in the community. Our Social Worker maintains vital links with families, encouraging participation in treatment plans where possible. Detailed assessment of communication needs and capacity issues as well as counselling where appropriate is also undertaken by the team. Spiritual needs are attended to by the hospital’s chaplaincy service where this is requested, and the service user also has access to an independent advocacy service based in the hospital.
In addition to inpatient care, day care is available for individuals who live within a 25 mile radius of Northampton, with respite care offered subject to bed availability. Outpatient assessment and treatment advice for other providers can also be provided upon request.