Craegmoor Healthcare, the largest independent provider of long term specialist care in the UK has for the past year been developing a new form of treatment for patients at its Charles House hospital in Greater Manchester.
Charles House is a medium secure hospital, providing support for 24 male patients whose mental health illness has resulted in neuro-cognitive conditions such as memory loss. Members of the hospital's highly skilled Occupational Therapy Team have found that by using a number of different techniques, patients can improve their memories and regain skills they had previously forgotten.
Despite the complex nature of the brain, it is recognised that small changes to lifestyle can lead to dramatic improvements in the quality of life of those suffering from mental illness. At Charles House, the three-strong, highly skilled motivated Occupational Therapy team has moved away from the traditional "nine to five" structure of therapy and activities to offer support that is more tailored to the needs of the patients either in one-to-one, or group sessions, seven days a week.
Craegmoor's policy of employing a variety of highly qualified staff who specialise in different areas of care and treatment has proven especially beneficial to patients. This recruitment strategy has enabled patients to benefit from a multitude of treatments and allows staff to identify what best suits each person individually, thus personalising the care and treatment they receive.
As part of their treatment, patients are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities funded by the hospital including, bingo, therapeutic trips, men's health groups, healthy living seminars, cooking groups, baking, games groups, playing pool, gardening, learning relaxation techniques, art, music and social evenings. These sessions allow patients to gain confidence while developing their skills.
Jordy Hirst, Head of Occupational Therapy at Charles House said:
"Our patients have commented that they enjoy the new lively environment and feel that Charles House reminds them of their own home. They also know that nothing is too much trouble and that their needs are catered for as best they can be by the therapy department."
Julian Spurling, managing director of the Independent Hospitals division of Craegmoor said:
"At Craegmoor we continuously seek to offer our clients the most innovative and advanced care available. We know that by putting an emphasis on psycho-social therapeutic activities, individual patients will maximise their opportunities for rehabilitation into more community based settings. It is the work of staff members such as Jordy and her team that makes this possible. "
For further information please contact the Craegmoor Press Office on: 01905 459 813
Notes for Editors
- Craegmoor is the largest independent provider of long term specialist care in the UK with a turnover of approximately £170m and employs over 6,500 people.
- It has a portfolio comprising specialist and nursing care homes, mental health hospitals, specialist adult colleges and supported living schemes with over 4,700 beds across 234 homes.
- The wide range of services offered by Craegmoor include:
- Specialist care and support for adults with learning disabilities and mental health illnesses
- Nursing and residential care for the elderly
- Independent Hospitals
- There are 2229 Specialist beds including 143 beds in three colleges.
- There are currently 2242 Older People beds and 237 in Independent Hospitals.
- Working closely with local authorities, Primary Care Trusts and NHS Trusts, Craegmoor is committed to building partnerships focused on constant service improvements which meet the needs of individual people and which are in line with regulatory requirements and best practice.