Welcome to Woodlands House

This leaflet aims to answer common questions about spending time on an inpatient mental health ward.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about or not covered here, please ask a member of staff.

The ward

Woodlands House is a 20-bed low secure forensic mental health ward. It is a standalone unit next to the Whiteleaf Mental Health Centre in Aylesbury. The ward focuses on rehabilitation and helping patients move towards greater independence in the community.

What to expect on arrival

You will be shown around, introduced to the staff and other patients.

Nursing staff will check your personal belongings and remove any items they consider unsafe. These will be stored securely.

Medication

Please tell staff about any medicines you are taking. All unused medicines brought with you must be handed to staff.

Any medication you need will be given to you by nursing staff.

Thames Valley Forensic Service

The Thames Valley Forensic Service provides secure inpatient services for men and women.

• Medium secure services: Four wards for men with mental health needs (two in Oxford, two in Milton Keynes), and one ward in Oxford for men with learning disabilities and autism.
• Low secure services: Two wards for men (Oxford and Aylesbury) and two for women (Oxford).
• Pre-discharge unit: An open ward for men and women in Oxford, supporting patients as they prepare to return to the community.
• Community teams: Support you during your stay and help plan your return to the community.

All services are delivered by a multi-disciplinary team: nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, adult educators, allied health professionals, and fitness instructors.

Your care is planned with you and takes a recovery-focused approach. With your permission, we aim to involve your carers, family, or social support networks.

Welcome meeting

We aim to organise a welcome meeting for you, your family and close friends within your first few weeks. It’s a chance to meet staff and ask questions.

Please ask your key nurse if this hasn’t been arranged.

Your clinical team

Your clinical team, or multi-disciplinary team (MDT), is made up of professionals who work together to support your care.

Team roles

• Responsible Clinician (RC) – A consultant psychiatrist who leads your care and manages your medication.
• Key Nurse – A mental health nurse who coordinates your care during your stay.
• Nurses and Support Workers – Provide daily support, administer medication, monitor wellbeing and maintain a safe environment.
• Ward Manager – Oversees the ward and nursing staff. Supported by the Modern Matron who ensures quality of care.
• Occupational Therapist (OT) – Supports you with meaningful activities like cooking, work skills, and hobbies.
• Psychologist – Offers talking therapies to help you understand and manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
• Ward-Based Social Worker – Helps with housing, benefits, and family contact, and liaises with community teams.
• Other professionals – Includes Activity Coordinators, Physical Health Instructors, a Dietitian, and a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Peer Support Workers – People with lived experience of mental health care who now support others (introduced in 2023).

Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)

This team includes nurses, OTs, social workers and others based in the community. They link with the ward and continue your care after discharge.

Your care coordinator will attend review meetings and support you throughout.

Working together towards recovery

We’ll work with you to set treatment goals and support your long-term recovery and care needs.

Everybody has a different journey

Some people are with us for a short stay. Others may stay longer or move between different wards. Whatever your journey, we are here to support you.

Working with the team

You will meet many professionals during your stay. They all work together with you towards shared goals.

Clinical Team Meetings (CTMs)

Your team meets regularly to review your progress. It’s important you attend to share your views and ask questions.

We want to help you take an active role. Please tell staff how we can support your involvement.

Care Programme Approach (CPA)

You may already have a CPA care plan. CPA meetings are held about every six months to plan for your longer-term needs.

With your permission, family or close friends can be involved.

Ask staff for the guide Making the most of the Care Programme Approach.

The ward and its facilities

Bedrooms

Each bedroom has an ensuite shower and toilet. Bathing facilities are also available.

Storage is limited. You will be given the property policy for guidance.

Communal rooms

• Main lounge – TV and pool table
• Quiet lounge – TV

Laundry

There is a laundry room. You are expected to do your own laundry, with support if needed.

Kitchen

You have access to a patient kitchen with hot and cold drinks. During cooking sessions, access may be limited.

Each patient has a lockable cupboard for food storage. Cooking sessions are organised by the OT team.

Garden

The garden is accessible from the main lounge. Protected access times are:

• 9:30–9:45am
• 1:00–1:25pm
• 7:00–7:30pm
• 10:15–10:30pm

Access at other times can be discussed with staff.

Other facilities

• A small gym
• Activity room (art, IT, games)
• Small rooms for one-to-one sessions

Meals

Meals are provided. Please let your key nurse know about dietary needs.

Meal times:

• Breakfast: 8–9am (weekends 8–9:30am)
• Lunch: 12–12:30pm
• Dinner: 5–5:30pm

OT-led cooking sessions are available, and you are encouraged to cook your own meals with a small budget provided.

Drinks

Tea, coffee and sugar are provided. Hot water is available throughout the day.

Ward activities

Activities are part of your treatment. They may be group or individual, led by the Activities Coordinator, OT, or other team members.

Fitness sessions are run by a Physical Fitness Instructor.

Safety on the ward

If you feel unsafe or notice anything concerning, please speak to a member of staff.

Banned items

To keep everyone safe, the following are not allowed:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Illegal drugs (will be disposed of and may involve police)
• Valuables or large amounts of money
• Plastic bags, glass bottles or cans
• Smartphones
• Sharp objects (e.g. scissors, cutlery)

Searching

Searches may include:

• ‘Pat down’ body searches
• Bedroom checks
• Ward searches

Staff will respect your privacy and ensure same-gender staff carry out personal searches.

Drug screening

We carry out random drug screening by supervised urine samples. You must not use alcohol or any non-prescribed substances.

Alarms

Staff wear personal alarms. Fire and safety alarms are tested regularly. Staff will explain how these work.

Smoking

This is a smoke-free site. Smoking is not allowed indoors, outdoors on Trust property, or on escorted leave.

Only one approved e-cigarette brand is allowed—ask staff for more information. These can only be used in designated areas.

If you smoke tobacco, it can only be done off-site during unescorted leave.

Support is available, including nicotine replacement therapy—please speak to staff.

Being part of the wider community

Leave

Leave is part of recovery but must be approved by your consultant psychiatrist, and sometimes the Ministry of Justice, depending on your Mental Health Act section.

When leave is approved, you must stick to the agreed conditions.

Forensic Recovery College

Offers courses for patients and staff. Benefits include:

• Learn about your health
• Support your wellbeing
• Help others
• Build positive relationships

Getting involved in the service

Patients are encouraged to take part in running the service, including:

• Daily planning and community meetings
• Interviewing staff
• Becoming a Peer Support Worker

Patient Rep and Patient Council

Each ward has a paid Patient Rep who shares ideas and feedback with the ward’s Senior Team.

Reps attend a wider Patient Council with others from across the service.

If you’re interested, speak to Occupational Therapy staff.

Staying connected with family and friends

Staying in touch with loved ones is important. We can help them access support or arrange a Carers’ Assessment.

Telephones

Smartphones and camera phones are not allowed. A ward phone is available for your use. The number is on page 2 of this guide.

Visits

Visits are encouraged and must be booked 24 hours in advance. All visitors must be approved by you and your team.

Some times are protected and visits are not allowed. Special arrangements may be made if needed.

Visitors do not enter the ward itself. Children may only visit in exceptional cases and must be supervised.

Involving family and friends

With your permission, family or close friends can attend meetings and speak with the team to better support you.

Consent to share information

We need your consent to share any information about you. You can choose how much or what kind of information is shared.

Support for family and friends

Support is available through online or in-person meetings. Ask staff for the booklet Information for families, friends and carers.

Other available support

Finance

You can store money with the finance department and arrange for benefits to be paid into this account. Speak to staff for help.

Advocacy

Advocates support you to:

• Share your views
• Access services
• Understand your rights
• Explore your options

Independent support is available from POhWER (see back page).

Benefits advice

The ward social worker can help you with benefits applications or issues.

Diversity

We respect all individual needs, including gender, religion, and sexual orientation. Please speak to staff about any specific needs.

Spiritual and pastoral care

Spiritual care is available for everyone, regardless of religious belief. The chaplaincy team can support you and arrange religious texts or services.

Contact:

• Phone: 01865 902 760
• Email: spiritual.care@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

Feedback

We aim to provide high-quality care. Please tell staff about any concerns.

Other feedback options:

• Speak to PALS
• Contact an independent advocate
• Complete an I Want Great Care (IWGC) survey

Contact details

Woodlands House
Bierton Road
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP20 1EG

• Patient phone: 01865 901 565
• Nursing Office: 01865 901 073