Sandpiper is an eight bedded medium secure assessment ward for women who are detained under the Mental Health Act (2007), providing person-centred care for people who suffer with their mental health. Often support can be catered to patients with additional needs where suitable.

The average admission length is approximately one to two years. At the end of this time, depending on each patient’s situation, it is hoped that you will be moved to a more suitable setting within your recovery journey – whether that be towards a low secure ward or a community setting.

Address

Ridgeway
Roseberry Park
Middlesbrough
Teesside
TS4 3AF

Telephone

01642 424483

Ward manager: Kylie McQuade

Clinical lead: Rebecca Blair and Nicole Smith

Philosophy of care

Sandpiper ward provides a safe and secure environment which is supported by several highly trained staff offering a high standard of quality care.

Each patient will be encouraged to take active participation in the planning of their care which will be supported by members of the multi-disciplinary (MDT) team. Throughout this process, a holistic package of care will be created which is individual to each patient, providing choice, value and involvement throughout their recovery pathway.

At the point of admission Sandpiper ward aims to identify how as MDT working, we can meet the needs of the individual and support them in their recovery towards their long-term goals. Our aim is work collaboratively with patients and carers where possible, to identify their strengths and to build on these foundations encouraging motivation and autonomy throughout the steps of their recovery. 

The recovery pathway will use a range of evidence-based interventions to address the patient’s medical, physical, psychological and social needs. 

Within the plan of care will be identification of a patients risks and this will be monitored closely to keep both the patient and others safe. Where risks are identified as being high, there may be justification to implement restrictions. However, we are currently working together as a service to support the Department of Health 2014

‘positive and proactive care for reducing the need for physical intervention’ to use restrictive practice/interventions as a last resort. 

Any restrictive practices are continuously reviewed and reduced where possible and safe to do so. Any restrictive practices need to be justified and proportionate to the needs and risks of the ward environment and patient group. To reflect this we also promote force reduction within the service looking at ‘harm minimisation’ and positive behavioural support. 

Positive behavioural support (PBS) is an effective way in which we support our patients who may display challenging behaviours. PBS has been implemented within our service in an attempt to work with patients proactively and reactively. The aim is to identify patient triggers to challenging behaviours and to explore ways in which these can be managed and reduced to prevent incidents occurring. 

Sandpiper also uses ‘trauma informed care’ as the foundation to structure routine and care plans of all patients. This focuses on a complete picture of a patient’s life both past and present, to provide effective care. In turn this influences all our interactions and inventions with patients to always provide the best possible care, allowing patients to feel safe and supported.

Daily routine

Sandpiper ward has a seven-day activity programme. This includes a variety of different sessions throughout each day, aiming to help enhance a patient’s daily life skills. 

The sessions can be responsive and tailored to an individual’s needs but are also engaging and interactive. Activities such as, arts and crafts, wellbeing and general exercise are held, and patients can also access our sensory room. 

If you have any interests or hobbies, please discuss these with staff and we can consider if they can be incorporated into the session.  

 Meals and drinks

We provide three meals per day, always with a variety of choice. The weekly menus are on display in the dining room and alternate each week. You are also able to have your own snacks.

If you have any special dietary requirements (such as diabetic, vegetarian or cultural) we will inform the catering service. 

The ward operates protected mealtimes, to make sure you have your meal with limited disruption. We therefore ask that professionals and carers avoid contacting the ward at mealtimes where possible.