Concerns raised over psychiatric unit admissions
An NHS audit has found that many unsuitable groups of people are being inappropriately admitted to Intensive Psychiatric Care Units (IPCUs) including dementia sufferers, reports BBC News.
Scotland’s 14 Intensive Psychiatric Care Units (IPCUs) are intended to treat patients whom suffer with acute mental health problems and who have been detained under the Mental Health Act.
However a new report from the NHS Quality Improvement has found that in many cases violent criminals and sex offenders are mixing with patients of a vulnerable nature such as those who are under eighteen and people with learning difficulties as well as gender mixing. This can leave many patients can be left feeling intimidated and uncomfortable.
This is the first major investigation into psychiatric care Scotland has seen and it even included testimony’s from current and former patients many of whom expressed concern regarding the lack of talking therapies, fresh air and outdoor activities.
A spokesperson from the IPCU has said that a healing environment is what is needed and something to keep patients minds stimulated would be a positive step in the right direction. “Some educational input would be really helpful. Some of the patients in this ward have been here for over a year.”
Wendy McAuslan, a development co-ordinator for Vox Scotland, which took part in the study believes that individuals need psychological therapies a range of activities and opportunities to go outdoors into the fresh air. She said, “This report highlights the ways in which we can move towards making the IPCU environment more recovery-focused.”