Priory Hospital Suttons Manor is a specialist, low secure service that supports higher acuity, older aged male patients (aged 50 years+), who require short to medium-term care, and help adjusting to independent living. ​​​​​The service provides a suitable setting for individuals who come from high or medium secure services, as well as those transferring from prisons whose risks have lessened with age. We focus on using meaningful activity to support all our patients in progressing with their personal goals, step-down needs, and to move into the community or less restrictive environments where possible.

Care is provided over two 13-bedded wards and we offer an age-appropriate environment for those with a primary diagnosis of a mental health disorder and those presenting with behaviours that challenge. All patients are detained under the Mental Health Act.

Our approach

Priory Hospital Suttons Manor ideally suits individuals that have reached the point in their pathway where they need longer-term nursing support and maintenance therapy. We are also able to support individuals experiencing low level physical health care needs, which are assessed at time of referral, to ascertain suitability. 

Our individualised programmes incorporate both physical and mental health needs, including:

• Fully-equipped ADL kitchen to support ward-based cooking and activities
• Spacious well-lit communal areas including a lounge and dining room
• Extensive grounds, some of which have been tailored to encourage interaction and boasts a sensory Zen garden, which can be accessed from the wards and the grounds
• A horticulture centre specifically tailored to those with mobility concerns, including an indoor potting area, raised beds, a poly-tunnel and vegetable plots, allowing all year round horticulture projects
• On site animal care
• Frequent leisure activities in the community
• A fully adapted vehicle to provide access to community facilities
• Large spacious gym and art/therapy room
• In-house shop ran by patients
• Real work opportunities 
• On-site literacy and numeracy groups led by local teachers
• Onsite physical health nurse

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.

The therapeutic input to the service is tailored to the specific needs of this older population. It is designed to promote self-efficacy, with specialised occupational therapy aimed at accommodating personal needs and wishes, but also to complement older adult patients.

Psychology programmes, both individual and group based, will address a range of needs including offence-related work, social skills, emotional regulation and insight.

The ultimate goal is a step-down placement, where appropriate, and we provide all patients with the highest quality of care in the least restrictive environment possible.

The occupational therapy programme is designed to foster wellbeing by supporting patients’ efforts to maintain their social connections, adapt to and manage health/ability challenges as they arise, and engage in occupations that allow self-expression, opportunities to learn and promote feelings of belonging and contributing.

Our horticulture centre provides a therapeutic environment on-site and offers patients the opportunity to sell the produce they have grown. This enables rehabilitation in terms of learning new skills and consolidating knowledge, which can be applied in the community.

It is important that we provide patients with an ability to both socialise with other peers and learn how to work effectively as part of a team. Patient projects in the horticulture centre have involved building the gazebo, developing the land and growing food in the allotment. The site has also offers animal care with the introduction of chickens and a fish pond into their large grounds the beginning of a well-received therapy by our current patients.

Real work opportunities

To ensure patients feel well equipped, confident and motivated in seeking employment opportunities within the hospital and for those ready for community engagement, Priory Hospital Suttons Manor has implemented a number of real work opportunities (RWOs) within the hospital, including paid roles within the patient run shop, ward cleaners, newsletter editors and others.

RWOs have been structured so that patients can develop skills in the job-seeking process, including completing job applications and interviews. Patients receive ongoing feedback to support development.