Male Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Essex

A dedicated PICU service for men aged 18-65 years requiring specialist short-term support during a mental health crisis

Audley ward, based within our Essex hospital, provides a safe, structured and therapeutic environment delivering urgent individualised assessment, stabilisation, and recovery-focused treatment. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively with patients, families, and community services to support positive outcomes and a sustained recovery enabling people to return home or to a more appropriate setting as quickly as possible.

 

Service overview

Audley ward accommodates up to 11 male patients detained under the Mental Health Act, requiring psychiatric intensive care. Operating 24/7, our national service provides urgent placements when individuals cannot be safely managed and cared for in other settings, including general acute hospitals, other PICUs, prison or criminal justice services.

Our focus is on delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care that supports rapid stabilisation and recovery, ensuring timely discharge pathways that maintains continuity and reduces patient length of stay. Our average length of stay is typically less than national benchmarks.

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A modern and bright day area

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On-site games room

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A modern single en-suite bedroom

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Ward based TV room

Referral criteria and patient profile

We support men aged 18-65 detained under the Mental Health Act who are experiencing crisis mental health episodes characterised by:

  • Psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, severe mood disturbances, suicidal ideation, or significant behavioural challenges
  • Requirement for enhanced observation and specialist care not achievable in general acute wards, prison, or criminal justice settings
  • Complex presentations including co-morbidities such as substance misuse, or personality disorders, learning disability or autism will be considered based on individual assessment

Therapeutic approach and treatment

Our expert multidisciplinary team includes experienced consultant psychiatrists, senior nursing staff, psychologists, occupational therapists, pharmacy, technical instructors and social workers who collaborate to deliver tailored care plans. Key elements include:

  • Comprehensive psychiatric assessment and medication management guided by NICE standards
  • Psychological therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) informed approaches, and trauma-focused interventions
  • Occupational therapy supporting independent daily living skills, physical health, and meaningful activity. These include cooking, arts and crafts and sport activities both on and off the ward
  • Embedded social work team supporting a holistic care approach
  • Structured therapeutic environments following Safewards principles to promote safety, respect, and positive engagement
  • Collaborative care planning involving patients and families from admission to discharge

 

Facilities and environment

Patients receiving care on Audley ward benefit from:

  • Single en-suite bedrooms supporting privacy and dignity
  • Dedicated therapy and activity spaces including fitness and sensory rooms
  • Secure indoor and outdoor communal areas designed for safety and wellbeing
  • Access to GP services and specialist clinical support
  • Flexible visiting arrangements facilitating family involvement in care

 

Registrations

We are nationally accredited as members of the RCPsych Quality Network for Psychiatric Intensive Care Units and National Association of Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (NAPICU).

 

Admission and discharge process

Admissions are accepted 24/7 for urgent NHS and non-English placements. Referring teams are asked to provide comprehensive clinical documentation including risk assessments, Mental Health Act paperwork, recent nursing and medical notes, and multidisciplinary reports to ensure smooth admission.

Discharge planning begins at admission, focusing on effective handover to community services, step-down care or criminal justice services, with ongoing collaboration where required to support recovery and prevent readmission. For those patients in need of longer treatment following the acute period of their care, we have on-site mental health rehabilitation pathways, which can be discussed with the clinical teams.

 

Why should you refer a patient to Audley Ward?

  • We are rated ‘Good’ by the CQC across all 5 domains
  • Responsive, specialist, gender-specific PICU service equipped for complex, high-risk cases, including those from criminal justice services
  • Strong multidisciplinary expertise delivering evidence-based, recovery-oriented care
  • Emphasis on patient safety, dignity, and collaborative working with clinical partners
  • Proven pathways supporting timely discharge and continuity of care
  • Ideally located to support the care closer to home agenda for those from the Southeast, east of England and London

 

What our patients say

“The staff on Audley has shown me nothing but kindness and compassion.” Patient on Audley ward.

“My care has been brilliant. I can now maintain my composure and manage my stress.” Patient on Audley ward.

“I learnt a lot about my strengths and weaknesses, and I learnt how to treat people how I would want to be treated.” Patient on Audley ward.