Forensic Low Secure Inpatient Service, Chelmsford

This service is provided to people between the ages of 18-65 who are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 and who:

• Have been identified as requiring hospital admission for assessment or treatment but do not require intensive care. The patients would usually be involved in criminal proceedings, requiring transfer from custodial settings.
• Have been identified as requiring a rehabilitation programme within a low secure setting and are able to participate in a rehabilitation programme

The aim is to provide individualised care and evaluation of the patient’s progress and recovery. People are encouraged to be involved in their care planning and, where possible, the family is also involved. The wards operate on a multi-disciplinary team basis with regular input from the Community Mental Health Team.

Where the service is based

People are referred by consultant psychiatrists, prisons and medium secure services. Clients referred from within the Trust undergo an assessment by the rehabilitation team. Referrals from other agencies are discussed and decided by the rehabilitation team at a referral meeting.