Male Low Secure
The Meridian Unit at Cygnet Wing Blackheath specialises in rehabilitative care and aims to balance the needs of therapy and security while preparing patients to lead full and independent lives in the community.
Service & Objectives
Our comprehensive care plans are tailored to each individual's needs and are regularly monitored and updated through the Care Programme Approach (CPA). All clients are on the enhanced level of CPA and undergo full assessment, including risk assessment using the HCR20.
The 15 bed Meridian Unit provides a service for men (18-65) with complex challenging needs, often associated with significant problem behaviours and offending. The aim of the unit is to assess, treat and manage all aspects of care balancing therapy with security. The senior staff have wide experience in assessing and treating offenders of all types including arsonists, sex offenders and violent offenders.
Who is appropriate?
The service has a wide remit in relation to referrals and offers a service that caters for a wide range of complex and additional needs, such as dual diagnosis, mild learning disability, personality disorders and substance abuse.
The Team
A comprehensive multi-disciplinary team (MDT) includes:
- Consultant Psychiatrist (Drs Humphrey Needham-Bennett and Utpaul Bose)
- Staff Grade Psychiatrist (Dr Zuber Moola). Provides 9am to 5.30pm cover offering comprehensive medical care and support to patients.
- Clinical Psychologist
- A dedicated mental health nursing team with forensic experience
- Rehabilitation support workers with a background in mental health
- An Occupational Therapist
- Specialist substance abuse worker
Treatment Programme
We provide a tailored Occupational Therapy Programme to meet the needs of each patient. We assess their functional ability and wherever possible encourage community integration, using the “model of Human Occupation” (MOHO). Individual and group work is incorporated within a structured therapeutic programme.
Psychological interventions are central to our therapeutic input. These are carried out under the supervision of an experienced Consultant Psychologist after a comprehensive assessment including neuropsychological and psychometric tests and measures of personality.
The Meridian Unit provides an extensive therapy programme incorporating Psychology, Occupational Therapy and social activities. Our programme aims to teach patients basic life skills, improve activities of daily living, social skills and reintegration to society. The therapy team comprises a Psychologist, Therapy Assistant, Activities Coordinator and Occupational Therapist as well as receiving input and support from an excellent Nursing team. The following in house groups and sessions are included:
- Social Skills to improve social interaction and self esteem
- Drug and Alcohol sessions (incorporating the ‘stages of change’ model)
- Symptom Management to increase insight into illness and develop coping strategies
- Men’s health groups
- Arts and Crafts
- Creative Writing and Relaxation
- Cooking
- Gym
- Healthy Living
- Basic Education
- Anger/Anxiety Management
When patients have achieved enough Section 17 leave they are able to engage in activities based in the community which also include sports and recreation at the local leisure facilities. We work closely with the local college and some businesses in the area providing individuals with the opportunity of enrolling on a college course and obtaining work placements. We also aim to allow individuals the chance to attend AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) sessions in the community where they have the opportunity to participate in the traditional ‘12 Steps’ model of addiction.
As well as group sessions we also provide 1:1 support and assessments. Occupational therapy assessments include activities of daily living, self care/hygiene and cooking/kitchen safety. Psychology sessions consist of in depth 1:1 psychotherapeutic work, psychometric assessments (including cognitive and intellectual functioning and personality inventories) and risk assessments for violence, arson, offending, suicide & self harm.
Making a Referral
Referrals are accepted from prisons, high and medium secure units, community forensic services and general adult services. We undertake the assessment at the patient's location and aim to notify referrers of our decision within 24 hours of assessment.
Please phone us on 020 8694 2111 or book through our central booking service on 0845 0704170. Visits to the unit are welcome by arrangement with the Ward Manager.
Contact the hospital
Fax: 020 8694 8256
Email Cygnet Wing Blackheath
How to find us
Map, directions & public transport information for Cygnet Hospital Blackheath.
