The Opal ward is a 20-bed mixed gender psychiatric rehabilitation ward.  It accepts referrals from acute in-patient colleagues in Buckinghamshire.

The team there supports people who have complex social and mental health needs who may have had frequent admissions to the acute wards and need extra support around discharge and living their best lives back in the community. Their aim is to assist patients to restore functionality and to develop new skills.

The occupational therapy team, together with nurses, psychology team, peer support workers and medical staff do an initial assessment of the patients needs and work collaboratively to develop goals and plans. Daily activities are held which include groups such as mindfulness, anxiety management and many arts and crafts activities.

One reviewer said: “The activity worker has been really helpful in my recovery – always fun and enthusiastic with lots of great ideas!”

There is enormous support from the experienced administration team who support the team with everything from chatting to relatives and friends of patients to the smooth running of the ward.

The housekeeping and facilities staff have never been so important to the ward as they are during the pandemic. They have been ensuring that there is a clean and welcoming environment for all to live and work in.

Another reviewer said, “I have been cared for extremely well my needs have all been met. Thank you very much for everything.”

Christine Roche, interim ward manager, said: “Our whole team are amazing and they demonstrate this on a daily basis in the support and care that they offer our patients and each other. They should know that have never been more appreciated than during the difficult times we have all been living through in the past year.”

Another service user said: “My experience with the team has been amazing. They take the time to help the family as well as the patient and when you are unsure how to deal with the situation their help and kindness was first rate. Thank you to everyone.”

A final reviewer of an inpatient said: “The staff were beyond our expectations. Our son was cared for and treated so well. Everyone was so kind and not only did their jobs but went over and above. I felt looked after as well and will be sad to not see the staff anymore!”

For more information on the ward click here.