The inpatient service, Nightingale House, offers 24 hour care and can take non urgent enquiries out of hours.

The reception for Nightingale House is open between 09.00 and 17.00, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

Out of hours referrals requiring an emergency response will be undertaken by the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Service.

Nightingale House accepts referrals from Responsible Clinicians who feel that a longer inpatient stay may be beneficial in supporting individuals with significant mental illness with rehabilitation, before either moving on to our open, pre-discharge unit Nightingale Court, or into the community.

Referrals for potential admission to Nightingale House should be discussed with the team in advance of making the referral.

We ask that referrers are able to provide the following information, to ensure that the team can respond accordingly to the referral.

• The referral letter (including reason for referral and full chronological history
• Medication trials and their outcomes
• Details of current medication
• Rehabilitation needs identified
• HCR20 within the last 8 weeks
• Full risk screen completed within the last 4 weeks
• PNC check

The referral should be made in writing, and be addressed to the Consultant Psychiatrist.

Nightingale House is an inpatient service, with controlled access. We deliver comprehensive, multi-disciplinary treatment. We aim to provide a homely environment which has occupational and recreational opportunities and links with community facilities. 

The clinical service includes:

• Assessment and treatment of the Service Users mental illness
• Assessment and formulation of detailed, recovery focused care plan
• Care co-ordination and care planning in collaboration with other professionals.

Individuals referred to the team will receive a full assessment of their needs and a tailored care programme, which can include:

*  Medication reviews

*  Medication management advice

*  Nursing care

*  Occupational Therapy (group based or one to one).

*  Psychology sessions

*  Physical health clinic with on-site clinicians

*  Support for physical health care needs on and off site

In conjunction with a full nursing package Nightingale House offers a weekly programme of therapeutic activities. These are designed to meet individual's needs on their recovery journey and help facilitate social inclusion. Such activities may include:

*  Conservation Group

*  Gardening Project

*  ‘Living Spaces’ Project

*  Ramble Group

*  Art Activities & Creative Therapies

We also work to promote a healthy lifestyle and offer facilities which reflect this, including:

*  Self Care groups 

*  Smoking Cessation

*  Physiotherapy

*  Dietician

Mental health difficulties which are long term and are either difficult to treat or complicated by other conditions/illnesses, who require treatment in an inpatient unit with controlled access.

At Nightingale House we have a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, and support staff.

These include:

*  Administration staff

*  Clinical Psychologist 

*  Housekeeping

*  Mental Health Support Workers

*  Nursing Staff 

*  Occupational Therapists

*  Occupational Therapist Technician

*  Psychiatrist

Both team members and the individuals that we support have access to all support available within Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust. 

Referrals to the service must come from a Responsible Clinician.

If you feel that you, or someone you know might benefit from an inpatient stay at Nightingale House, please talk to a healthcare professional, who can arrange a referral to the complex care services.

Dorset HealthCare University Foundation Trust offer opportunities for volunteers to work within the service. If you would like more information please contact us, the contact details for Nightingale House can be found at the bottom of this page.

Whilst staying at Nightingale House, each individual will be assigned a key-nurse. it is the key nurse's responsibility to offer assistance and advice to carers, this may involve sign-posting people on to the relevant support groups and information sessions, dependent on their locality.

The Nightingale House, inpatient facility offers 24 hour support and is located at:

49 Alumhurst Rd, Bournemouth, BH4 8EP

Admissions for Nightingale House are planned in advance, and where possible admissions take place between the hours of 09.00 and 17.00, Monday to Friday.

General enquiries about Nightingale House and information on purchasing beds are to be directed to:

Liz James, Modern Matron

Tel: 01202 584303

Email: liz.james@dhuft.nhs.uk

Or Sarah Hall, Ward Manager

Tel: 01202 584316

Email: sarah.hall@dhuft.nhs.uk

Enquiries relating to possible referrals are to be directed to:

Sarah Hall, Ward Manager

Tel: 01202 584316

Email: sarah.hall@dhuft.nhs.uk

Referrals for admission should be directed to:

Dr. Leyland Sheppard, Consultant Psychiatrist

Tel: 01202 584325

Email: leyland.sheppard@dhuft.nhs.uk

If you would like to speak to a member of the Nursing Team, or would like to contact the Pay Phone which is available for residents to use please see the below numbers.

Nursing Team - 01202 584303

Pay Phone - 01202 751078