Caring for our PICU patients during Covid-19

During these uncertain times we want to reassure you that we are accepting admissions whilst seeking to keep new and existing patients safe.

Important information regarding Covid-19 isolation protocols on admission

Due to the requirement to quarantine new admissions on arrival we may use Enhanced Support (ES) nursing in order to keep your patient and our other patients and staff safe.

This may be decided during the initial assessment, based for example on the patient's cognitive or behavioural ability to remain within their bedroom. Alternatively ES may be deemed to be appropriate following admission if the patient refuses or is unable to comply with isolation protocols.

Patients will remain quarantined for 6 days following their first negative swab test result, after which they will be tested again and removed from quarantine if clear. If ES is felt to be necessary there will be a charge. ES will be reviewed regularly throughout this period.

All of our PICUs are members of NAPICU and we abide by the NAPICU minimum standards and admission criteria.

Heygate - Male PICU Northampton - 01604 616 111 Email: [email protected]

Bayley - Female PICU Northampton - 01604 614 584 Email: [email protected]

Audley - Male PICU Essex - 01268 723 930 Email: [email protected]

Frinton - Female PICU Essex - 01268 723 860 Email: [email protected]

Our PICU services provide tailored treatment programs that are developed to recognise each individual’s strengths, needs and risks, with specific emphasis on treating mental illness and starting the recovery process.

They are gender specific and therefore accept either male or female patients who:

• are aged 18-65 years
• are suffering from an acute mental illness or an exacerbation of a chronic mental illness
• may be displaying challenging behaviours as a result of a mental illness
• demonstrate significant risk, including aggression to self and others, absconding and / or vulnerability
• require relatively short-term intensive care in a safe environment
• have been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007)

We also offer a Rapid Response service for older adults in crisis to provide urgent stabilisation and intensive therapy in a safe environment (see below for more details).

Since 1 February 2019, the Male and Female PICU in Northampton have been trialling body worn cameras on nurses. For further information please contact Jodie Maloney, by emailing [email protected]