Female brain injury

A 12-bed service for adult women who have an acquired/traumatic brain injury and require programmes of care that enhance recovery and community reintegration.

Elgar is a female admission service where we are able to provide continuous support and interventions to address a range of behavioural and cognitive issues, including inappropriate social behaviour and risk of self-harm.

Our patients develop a framework of skills that allows them to re-integrate with their community

From the moment of admission our team focus on individual goal-planning with each patient, and agree on specific behaviours to develop or reduce. 

We support patient progress by testing and consolidating their daily living skills, cognition and behavioural management in a safe environment, with the support of a full Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT). After treatment and care from the ward, patients are supported to progress to less restrictive environments at St Andrew's, or back in their local area.

Neelam's recovery story

Neelam came to St Andrew's after a number of failed placements following surgery to remove a brain tumour. The impacts of which left her with complex mental, behavioural and physical healthcare needs. 

On admission to Elgar, Neelam was exhibiting memory deficits, variations in mood, irritability and a preoccupation with food directly linked to sodium level fluctuations caused by her brain injury. Our specialist MDT used a non-medication, neurobehavioural approach to regulate Neelam's eating and mood, and a positive behavioural plan to manage her behaviours.

Following her time on Elgar ward, Neelam is now living in one of our step-down rehabilitation houses located on a quiet residential street adjacent to the hospital, where she is progressing to more independent living with the support of our St Andrew's team.

Read Neelam's story in full in the downloads below.

Treatment and care

Our therapeutic programme is designed to create a reinforcing environment where individuals experience success through achievable goals and regular opportunities for learning. 

In partnership with patients our MDT construct programmes of enablement that allow progress through our pathways to a place of least restriction, and utilise a full range of psychological and occupational therapy programmes which:

>  are highly structured and tailored to the individual
>  provide constant guidance and support
>  reinforce appropriate behaviour and skills
>  cater for those with intensive, complex acute needs
>  support patients towards the end of their recovery journey
>  are delivered by an extensive full-time team
>  offer individual and group therapy experiences
>  address functional and behavioural issues
>  support communication, movement, self-care, dis-inhibition and aggression.

Interventions used on Elgar are aimed at helping patients to prepare for community re-integration and greater independence, and to:

>  ensure the safety of the patient and others
>  provide a MDT assessment strengths and needs
>  provide a formulation plan that will inform risk management and care planning
>  offer the optimal opportunities for positive behaviour and achievement of skills
>  offer individual and group therapies
>  ensure skill development and an enhanced quality of life
>  support a move to a less secure setting / closer to their own home.

Next steps

Our Discharge Co-ordinators begins discharge planning from the point of admission. Working with our clinical and social work teams they formulate plans and liaise with appropriate case managers to support a smooth transition.

Typically patients will spend 9-18 months on Elgar before moving along our care pathway to a less-restrictive environment or returning to their home area.