Four years' experience of an interim secure unit

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychiatry
• Secure Mental Health Services

Background:

• An interim secure unit, Rainford Ward, has operated for four years.
• The unit admits patients who have committed dangerous acts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the function and outcomes of an interim secure psychiatric unit.
• To assess patient demographics, length of stay, and follow-up care.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 78 referrals and 39 admissions over four years.
• Review of patient diagnoses, demographics, and discharge follow-up procedures.

Main Results:

• Most admissions were for schizophrenia, with 40% being women.
• Short-term stays were common; only one patient anticipated indefinite stay.
• The unit stabilized at approximately 12 patients per million population.
• The unit operates unobtrusively with high morale and few incidents.

Conclusions:

• The interim secure unit has successfully integrated into a large psychiatric hospital.
• It manages patients with dangerous behaviors, primarily those with schizophrenia.
• The service demonstrates effective operation with minimal disruption and good staff morale.