We provide a person-centred approach in a centre of excellence to facilitate the safe and effective care of service users with behaviours which may challenge. The Springs Unit works closely with the other on-site autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services at the hospital, The Springs Wing (ASD/MH Rehabilitation) and The Springs Centre (ASD/MH Rehabilitation). Service users can move along the Springs Services pathway if a longer period of rehabilitation is required dependent on each individuals needs. Going through the pathway provides service users with a similar environment without too many changes, due to a stable MDT team in each service.

Mark’s Journey

Read about how the team on Springs Unit helped Mark.

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We are passionate about proactive care and treatment that puts the patient at the heart of their own care pathway. We have an excellent model of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) led by our Psychology team and embedded by our skilled ward staff.

Our Model of Care

The Springs Unit uses an extended behavioural modification model of care. As the first step in developing a treatment programme, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) work with individuals to comprehensively assess their strengths and difficulties. This involves a full diagnostic assessment alongside assessing symptoms, risks and needs.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is used to analyse and understand the needs of individuals on The Springs Unit. The ward environment can be adapted accordingly to meet the needs of each individual. (e.g. lighting, noise levels). This is done alongside our on-site Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist who help adapt and implement the positive behaviour support plan. As part of an individuals plan, we will look at their diet and review, monitor and if needed reduce their reliance on medication and help service users through our range psychological interventions.

The team use functional analysis and person centred planning, to assess behavioural changes, looking at the environment as well as when these challenges occur to help create an environment that benefits each individual. Specific psychological interventions can be adapted for each individual and include pharmacological, psychological, rehabilitative or social interventions. Ongoing monitoring is used to establish whether each specific intervention is helping and adjustment made as necessary

Sam’s Journey

Read about how the team on Springs Unit helped Sam.

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In order to help each individual we work alongside their families, carers and staff as well as offering direct support to each individual in our care. All of our staff, not just clinically focused roles, are fully trained to understand autism to enable to create and supportive, caring and understanding environment for each service user.

A full daily programme is important for service users at the Springs Unit, and personal choice and options are at the fore of each individual’s own timetable. Space is paramount for this service user group and the Springs Unit is laid out with this in mind.

Our service user profile:

• Male, 18+
• Detained under the Mental Health Act, including those under Ministry of Justice restrictions
• Formal diagnosis of Autism, including Asperger’s Syndrome
• Diagnosis of Mild Learning Disabilities
• Displaying autistic traits and requiring further assessment in a specialist, secure environment
• Presenting active or potential risk to others
• May also have a diagnosis of:
  • Severe and enduring mental health problems
  • Psychosis
  • Bi polar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
• May be exhibiting behaviours that challenge
• May have dual diagnosis with substance misuse

Our service / facilities:

• Calm, relaxing and secure environments
• Spacious communal areas
• En-suite bedrooms
• Activity spaces
• Gardens with outdoor seating
• Fully equipped occupation therapy service
• Rehabilitation kitchen
• IT Café
• Gym

Community links:

• Cinemas
• Ten-pin bowling
• Wembley Stadium
• RAF Museum
• Fishing
• Local walks and golf
• Local pubs and restaurants
• Leisure centre