Suttons Manor is a specialist, low secure service for males who are over the age of 50. Our aim is to help our patients to re-build their confidence, self-esteem and hopes for the future. We keep our patients involved with the community, their family, and carers whenever possible.

Care is provided over two 13-bedded wards and we offer an age-appropriate environment for those who also have a mental health condition/personality disorder and/or dementia, and are in need of physical health care needs.

Suttons Manor is set in its own attractive grounds of over nine acres and Romford, Essex.

Service overview

Suttons Manor is a 26-bedded unit, split across two wards. We provide:

• 26 modern bedrooms which can be personalised
• Wet rooms with disabled access
• Fully-equipped kitchen to support ward-based cooking and activities
• A fully adapted vehicle to provide access to community facilities
• Well man clinics and health advice
• On-site literacy and numeracy groups led by local teachers

Suttons Manor comprises older adult wards which provide a low stimulus environment for those who would be more vulnerable to others in a mainstream service. The hospital focuses on using therapeutic activities to support patients in progressing with their personal goals and enabling a move into less restrictive environments.

Patient profile

All patients that are admitted to Suttons Manor are formal admissions. The following patients are suitable for treatment:

• Men aged 50 years and older
• Formal patients detained under the Mental Health Act
• Presenting with a primary diagnosis of mental illness

The Mental Health Act sets out the rules for compulsory admission to hospital as well as the safeguards to protect patients.

Staff will help patients to understand about being detained in hospital, and their rights under the law. Patients will be given a leaflet with this information.

Our team

Our multidisciplinary team consists of:

• Nurses (registered mental health nurses (RMNs), registered nurse learning disabilities (RNLD) and registered general nurses (RGNs))
• Doctors
• Psychologists
• Occupational therapists
• Social workers
• Healthcare assistants
• Visiting GPs
• Access to chiropody, dental services and an opticians

Our team is experienced and skilled in working with mental health issues and have a strong commitment to make sure that patients are part of the team.

An environment supporting recovery

The environment at Suttons Manor is just as important to the rehabilitation process as the therapies that are delivered. We provide our patients with:

• Spacious communal areas including an air-conditioned lounge and dining room
• Extensive grounds, some of which have been tailored to encourage interaction
• A sensory Zen garden which can be accessed from the wards or the garden
• 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
• Frequent leisure activities in the community
• Large, spacious gym
• Art room
• In-house shop run by patients

Family involvement

We recognise the importance of family, carers and friends for our patients’ wellbeing. We will do our best to make sure that family, friends and significant others are able to visit patients whilst staying with us.

Treatment programme

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

Real work opportunities (RWOs)

To ensure that patients feel well-equipped, confident and motivated in seeking employment opportunities within the hospital, and for those ready for community engagement, Suttons Manor has implemented a number of RWOs within the hospital. These include:

• Paid roles within the patient-run shop
• Ward cleaners
• Newsletter editors
• Roles within the horticultural area

Occupational therapy programme

The occupational therapy programme is designed to foster wellbeing by supporting patients’ efforts to:

• Maintain their social connections
• Adapt to and manage health and ability challenges as they arise
• Engage in occupations that allow self-expression, opportunities to learn, and promote feelings of belonging and contributing

Suttons Manor Recovery College

Suttons Manor’s Recovery College provides further opportunities for patients to improve their wellbeing through education and skills development workshops.

You can explore this section for more information on our Recovery College.