Our Clinical Pathway at Magna House
Our Acute Inpatient Mental Health service is grounded in a personalised approach that values individual needs, preferences, and aspirations. Our aim is to provide a clear purpose for each admission, supported by daily therapeutic activities, interventions, and treatments.
Our experienced multidisciplinary team provides medical, psychological, and nursing interventions, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.
Continuous communication with the patient's community mental health team and chosen carers ensures a coordinated and supportive approach to discharge.
This approach empowers individuals to regain control and order in their lives, fostering a sense of stability.
Our Acute Inpatient Mental Health Care can support people who are detained under the Mental Health Act or who are admitted to hospital informally. People may access our acute service as a direct admission from hospital bed managers, community mental health services or via a Section 136 suite, providing a seamless transition of care.
We can support men and women experiencing difficulties due to a range of conditions, including bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression, personality disorder and self-harm.
Admission Criteria:
Men and Women with a mental health condition, pre-existing or new diagnosis
18 years and over, working age or older adults
May be detained under the Mental Health Act or admitted as an informal patient
Our service specialises in the assessment and treatment of people with acute and enduring mental health needs. We provide care and treatment to people who are experiencing an acute phase of a mental illness and who are often in crisis. The aim of the service is to stabilise the person as quickly as possible, assess for further needs and implement the care and treatment required. We will stay in close contact with the patient's community mental health team throughout each admission, and as soon as it is safe to do so, we will arrange a suitable discharge home under the care of community mental health teams or into other appropriate community settings.
At Magna House, we are deeply committed to supporting our patients through every step of their recovery journey. We understand that severe mental health conditions require a multi-disciplinary approach, which is why our clinical pathway is designed with an emphasis on holistic, patient-centred care. Our highly trained team of professionals works together to develop personalised treatment plans that offer our patients the best chance of long-term recovery.
The clinical pathway at Magna House integrates evidence-based treatments, compassionate care, and innovative therapies tailored to individual needs. Our approach ensures that all patients receive the appropriate level of care at each stage of their journey towards mental wellness. Whether you or your loved one is managing a severe mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or other complex mental health issues, Magna House offers a clear, structured path to recovery.
1. Initial Assessment and Admission Process
The first step on the clinical pathway is a thorough assessment and admission process. At Magna House, we understand that each patient has unique needs and challenges, so our initial evaluation is comprehensive and detailed. Our experienced clinical team conducts:
In-Depth Psychiatric Evaluation: A full psychiatric assessment helps us understand the specific diagnosis, history of symptoms, and the impact the condition has had on the patient’s daily life.
Medical Review: We assess any co-occurring medical conditions that may need attention during the course of treatment, ensuring a complete picture of the patient’s health.
Psychosocial Assessment: A deep dive into the patient’s social history, support systems, and personal goals ensures we have a well-rounded understanding of their circumstances.
Risk Assessment: We evaluate potential risks to the patient or others, allowing us to ensure a safe and supportive treatment environment.
Following the assessment, a collaborative discussion between the patient, their family (if appropriate), and our clinical team helps to shape the most effective treatment plan.
2. Personalised Treatment Plan Development
Once the assessment is completed, our multidisciplinary team meets to design a personalised treatment plan. We believe in the power of collaboration—ensuring that all areas of a patient’s mental and physical health are addressed. Our team includes:
Consultant Psychiatrists: Leading our treatment planning with a clear focus on diagnosis and medical treatment, consultant psychiatrists ensure all pharmacological interventions are safe, effective, and tailored to the individual’s needs.
Clinical Psychologists and Assistant Psychologists: Specialists in psychological therapies, helping patients to address the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects of their condition.
Occupational Therapists: Our Occupational Therapists help patients develop essential life skills, offer therapeutic activities to improve mental health and provide both group and individual interventions. Additionally, OTs assist with discharge planning and community integration, ensuring patients have the necessary support to transition back into society.
Nurses (RMN, RGN): Our mental health nurses provide day-to-day support, helping with medication management, monitoring vital signs, and assisting in therapeutic activities. Our RGNs take care of physical health needs assessing and screening to provide an holistic approach to treatment.
Patient Safety Officers and Health Care Assistants: These professionals focus on helping patients feel safe, valued and respected throughout their recovery process and assist with daily tasks, provide emotional support and work closely with the nursing team to ensure the safeguarding and well-being of every patient.
Mental Health Act and Discharge Liaison Team: Our team of Mental Health Act administration and Discharge Liaison professionals support the hospital to coordinate care with external services. They contribute to patient-centred care plans to help ensure a smooth discharge process, taking into consideration patients social circumstances and mental and physical health needs.
3. Stabilisation Phase
The next phase of the clinical pathway is the Stabilisation Phase. This phase is critical, especially for patients admitted in an acute state of mental health crisis. The aim is to stabilise symptoms so that patients can engage fully in their treatment and therapy.
Medical Treatment: If medication is required, this phase may involve starting, stopping, or adjusting medications under close supervision by our medical team.
Close Monitoring: During this period, patients are closely monitored by our nursing staff and consultant psychiatrists to ensure any changes in symptoms or side effects are swiftly addressed.
24-Hour Care: Magna House provides round-the-clock care, ensuring that help is available at any time of the day or night. Our high staff-to-patient ratio ensures that each individual’s needs are met promptly.
The stabilisation phase typically involves a combination of pharmacological interventions and non-pharmacological treatments such as sensory modulation, relaxation techniques, and early-stage psychological interventions.
4. Therapeutic Engagement and Treatment
Once stabilised, the patient transitions into the therapeutic engagement phase. This phase is where the majority of psychological and therapeutic work takes place. Our approach to therapy is both innovative and evidence-based, utilising the latest research in mental health treatments. Some of the key therapies offered include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured, time-limited therapy that helps patients identify and challenge unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): Particularly effective for patients with personality disorders or severe emotional dysregulation, DBT teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills.
Psychodynamic Therapy: This in-depth therapy helps patients explore the unconscious forces that shape their emotions and behaviours, often focusing on childhood experiences and relationships.
Group Therapy: An opportunity for patients to connect with others facing similar challenges. Group therapy can provide a sense of community and shared understanding that is invaluable in the recovery process.
Art and Music Therapy: These creative therapies provide non-verbal ways for patients to express their feelings and emotions, often uncovering deep-seated issues that can be explored in more traditional therapy sessions.
5. Family Involvement
We firmly believe that family and loved ones play a crucial role in recovery. At Magna House, we involve families as appropriate, ensuring they are equipped to support the patient once they leave the hospital. Our family involvement includes:
Carer Support Sessions: These sessions offer a safe space for family members to express their concerns, ask questions, and develop healthier communication patterns.
Education on Mental Health Conditions: We provide families with education about the nature of the patient’s diagnosis and what they can expect during recovery. This helps to demystify the process and set realistic expectations.
Support Networks: We assist in connecting families with support networks, such as local carers’ groups or online communities, so they can access ongoing help.
6. Preparing for Discharge
As treatment progresses, the focus gradually shifts towards preparing for discharge and reintegration into the community. This phase is crucial to ensure that the patient has all the tools they need to maintain their recovery outside the hospital.
Discharge Planning: Our social workers, in collaboration with the clinical team, work to create a comprehensive discharge plan. This includes identifying any ongoing support needed, whether that be through community mental health teams, outpatient therapy, or residential aftercare.
Relapse Prevention Planning: We work with the patient to develop strategies to manage triggers, stressors, and potential relapse risks. This may involve identifying early warning signs and knowing how to seek help when needed.
Transitional Care: For some patients, transitioning back to full independence may take time. We offer step-down care, including supported housing options and continued outpatient care, to help make this transition as smooth as possible.
Engaging External Services: Where necessary, we will liaise with external services such as housing, benefits, or vocational support to ensure the patient has the practical means to support their recovery.
7. Aftercare and Long-Term Support
At Magna House, we believe that aftercare is just as important as inpatient treatment. Recovery from severe mental health conditions is a lifelong process, and our support extends beyond discharge. Our aftercare services include:
Follow-Up Appointments: We arrange regular follow-up appointments with the patient’s consultant psychiatrist or clinical psychologist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Outpatient Therapy: Patients who benefit from ongoing therapy can continue to attend regular sessions on an outpatient basis. This allows for continued psychological support as they adapt to life outside the hospital.
Support Groups: Magna House offers regular support group meetings for former patients. These groups provide a space for individuals to share their experiences, receive support, and stay connected with a community of people who understand their journey.
Our commitment to long-term recovery ensures that patients are never alone on their path to wellness.
At Magna House, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for those with severe mental health conditions. Our clinical pathway is designed with the patient at the heart of everything we do, from the initial assessment through to aftercare. With an expert multidisciplinary team, state-of-the-art facilities, and a compassionate approach, we ensure that every patient receives the care they need to reclaim their life and build a brighter future.
Contact Us
For more information about our clinical pathway or to discuss the treatment options available at Magna House, please contact our admissions team.