Priory Hospital Bristol - NHS Services

Priory Hospital Bristol is an independent hospital specialising in the management and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions. The hospital has an established reputation for providing the highest standards of care. Located within a secluded area of Bristol, we offer a tranquil setting in extensive grounds, where patients are supported to lead a healthier and more fulfilling way of life.

Our absolute priority is to make sure we operate safe and effective services 24/7 and that all staff understand what is required of them to make that happen. Click here to read more.

We also provide a private service where funding can be accessed via private medical insurance, or individuals can self-pay. For more information, please visit our dedicated private page.

In partnership with the NHS, Priory Bristol provides expert care in the following areas:

• Acute mental health
• Rehabilitation and recovery
• Adult eating disorders
• Psychiatric intensive care unit 

Focus on Safety

Our absolute priority is to make sure we operate safe and effective services 24/7 and that all staff understand what is required of them to make that happen. Click here to read more.

Acute mental health

At Bristol we provide personalised and recovery-focused treatment programmes across three adult acute wards:

• Redcliffe Unit – 12-bedded male ward
• Blackwell Unit – 11-bedded female ward
• Walter – 10-bedded mixed gender ward

We provide support for a wide range of acute mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and personality disorders.
We aim to achieve minimum lengths of stay by providing an extension to NHS care pathways during times of fluctuating demand. Our team works closely with referring trusts and we work collaboratively with discharge teams, to ensure a smooth transition back into existing community services, or to an individual’s home where possible.
Our comprehensive treatment programmes ensure patients have access to every resource they need to make a strong recovery, returning to a positive and productive life.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Hillside Ward is a 14-bedded, mixed-gender service for individuals with complex mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, acquired brain injury, personality disorders, specialist dementia and neurodegenerative disorders including Huntingdon’s Disease. Females on this ward will have access to a female-only lounge.

We offer a rehabilitation pathway or longer-term care for adults with severe and enduring mental illness, often with behaviours that challenge. Our intensive and highly flexible care programmes are provided within a safe and caring environment tending to needs that cannot be met within conventional hospitals or care homes.

We also care for those looking to step down from secure services, including those detained under the Mental Health Act (with or without Ministry of Justice restrictions).

Our aim is ensure optimum quality of life for our patients, within the limitations posed by their illnesses.

Adult eating disorders

Based on our 10-bedded Lotus Ward, our eating disorder service is for males and females aged 18 years and above and it provides effective programmes for the successful treatment of:

• Anorexia
• Bulimia
• Binge eating
• Other related conditions

We focus on the psychological, social, behavioural and physical sides of the illness. The programme involves assistance in re-establishing an appropriate relationship with food, education on the nature and consequences of eating disorders, and guidance in helping people to identify personally with this information.

Specialist therapy for eating disorders includes body image workshops and assertiveness therapy.

We recognise the importance of an individualised care pathway designed to provide a safe but supportive and structured environment, tailored to the differing needs and experiences of each patient.

Psychiatric intensive care

Purdown Ward is an 11-bedded male ward for patients who require urgent admission into a structured environment to manage their mental health needs. The ward provides large spacious single gender accommodation, therapy and activity space, with open access to fresh air via the secure gardens. The ward has access to seclusion facilities should it be necessary.

Typical lengths of stay vary, and are dependent upon individual need and response to treatment. The focus is to move patients to the least restrictive environment once mental state and behaviour have stabilised. We continually liaise with local NHS services to ensure that there is the effective transition of care on discharge or transfer.

The services would be suitable for:

• Males aged 18 years or over in need of psychiatric intensive care who are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983
• Individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions in need of rapid assessment and admission, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
• Individuals at risk of violence and aggression, whose behaviour may be unpredictable
• Those who present significant and continued risk to themselves or others, and who have a high absconsion risk in non-secure acute settings

Patients may be admitted from A&E, acute services, other PICUs, police custody, community services and the community.

Our approach

Our comprehensive integrated services offer complete care pathways, allowing patients to transfer effortlessly between the most appropriate care, meeting individual needs, enabling recovery and re-engagement within the community, and maximising life opportunities.

As our site is able to offer PICU, acute, and rehabilitation and recovery support within a seamless care pathway, we can provide continuity of care and environment as people’s needs change and fluctuate.

Our multidisciplinary teams work in collaboration with patients and commissioners to deliver individual treatment programmes and adaptable care pathways, to allow individuals to progress towards a less restrictive environment and to independent living.

Referrals and admissions

We accept referrals from a wide variety of public sector organisations throughout the UK, including special hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, prisons, courts, medium secure units (MSUs), forensic lead commissioners, social services, NHS Mental Health Trusts, GPs, the police and others.

Our patients can be amongst the most vulnerable members of society and require sensitive therapeutic interventions that encourage self-awareness, knowledge and empowerment.

We offer services for those with a wide range of mental health issues, which may include:

• Personality disorder with complex treatment and risk management needs, including factors such as co-morbid mental illness, self-harm or substance misuse
• Mental illness and complex needs
• Primary diagnosis of schizophrenia
• Forensic history, including violence or abuse