Helena's positive discharge story - Richmond House
“We had confidence in all the staff at Richmond – they were amazing. When someone is admitted to hospital it isn’t just one person affected – it’s everyone…. We have all been given our lives back.”
The first part of her admission was based on building relationships and developing trust, which was eventually achieved using a consistent approach, displaying clear boundaries and dedication. The team at Richmond also identified that supporting Helena in an autism-informed manner, provided clear expectations and allowed her to develop her own routines.
Positive moves at Priory Richmond House - Helena’s story
Helena* was initially transferred to hospital due to self-neglect and self-harm and despite fairly extensive input, her mood/suicidal thoughts increased. She was not taking medication at the time, she had poor personal hygiene, she was keeping mouldy food in house, she would leave her flat unlocked, and she would leave appliances on that could cause a fire. She was also considered to be at risk of sexual and financial exploitation.
Her initial admission experience was particularly difficult and physical restraint was used on Helena due to aggressive outbursts and other problematic behaviours including spitting, throwing objects, pushing and slapping. During another previous hospital admission, Helena was reported for throwing scissors and setting a fire.
Admission to Priory Richmond House
On admission to Richmond House, Helena was initially non-compliant with treatment and she was very distrusting of professionals.
The first part of her admission was based on building relationships and developing trust, which was eventually achieved using a consistent approach, displaying clear boundaries and dedication. The team at Richmond also identified that supporting Helena in an autism-informed manner, provided clear expectations and allowed her to develop her own routines.
Core treatment approach offered:
- Establish a clear diagnosis – assessed as having a psychotic disorder, which had previously not been recognised
- Education, skills acquisition and occupational/vocational rehabilitation – have a full timetable of activities which has developed with occupational therapy/nursing
- Physical health care – provide a health action plan and a hospital passport
- Communication assessment and social skills needs and development
- Community participation – graded leave approach including unescorted leave
- Adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) programme – focussed on self-awareness. emotional management and regulation, and interpersonal and life skills
- Development of understanding of actions identified on the sexual safety plan Helena’s achievements
- Now fully compliant with her prescribed medications
- Up-to-date with all physical health screening and monitoring
- Successfully utilises unescorted leave to a variety of settings
- Had a supported work placement in the local community
- Became a valued member of the local church congregation
- Improvement in social skills and initiating appropriate conversations
- Improved self-confidence
- Improved insight into her risks and vulnerabilities
Taking positive steps forward
Helena was discharged following an extended transition plan, to an all-female residential home under a DOL’s framework.
She has increased quality of life and is accessing a wide range of community activities including going on holidays with her new care team. She is also attending a local college, which she is using the bus to travel to.
She remains in contact with Richmond House and provides motivation for some our current patient group, by sharing her achievements with them through videos and photos.
One family member commented: “We had confidence in all the staff at Richmond – they were amazing. When someone is admitted to hospital it isn’t just one person affected – it’s everyone…. We have all been given our lives back.”
*Image and name changed