Woodleigh Community Hospital
Woodleigh Community Hospital
Woodleigh Community Hospital is a welcoming, open community-based facility committed to enabling men and women with mental health needs to flourish in an environment that balances clinical expertise, kindness, and person-centred support. With 23 beds available, Woodleigh Community provides vital rehabilitation and holistic care for individuals who often present with additional ongoing physical health needs. We believe that empowering our residents to access opportunities and engage meaningfully with the wider community is a cornerstone of the recovery journey, and we are proud of our 15-year track record of helping people lead happier, more independent lives.
One of Woodleigh Community’s defining features is our emphasis on community integration. We are not a locked facility; as an open hospital, we encourage our residents to venture beyond our walls, making use of local amenities and voluntary schemes. This not only reduces the sense of isolation but also helps residents rediscover or establish a sense of self beyond their diagnosis. For those who are detained under the Mental Health Act, our team works closely with relevant agencies to support Section 17 leave in a way that is purposeful, structured, and safe. Such an approach to risk management fosters independence whilst ensuring that any potential challenges are addressed with forethought and professional insight.
Woodleigh Community Hospital stands apart for its unwavering commitment to providing open, community-based mental health rehabilitation for men and women, many of whom face the added complexity of physical health requirements or dual diagnosis. Our emphasis on community engagement, positive risk-taking, and collaborative working with families and external agencies has enabled us to develop a proven model of care that guides individuals along the path to greater independence.
For residents who transition on, Woodleigh Community often marks a pivotal step in their recovery story—a place where they rediscover self-worth, learn invaluable life skills, and begin to re-establish meaningful connections with society. Through a balanced approach that considers mental, physical, social, and cultural needs, we help residents build a foundation for enduring change. In doing so, Woodleigh Community fulfils its promise to offer far more than a hospital environment: it provides a genuine community of hope, healing, and opportunity for those who need it most.
Wards and Facilities
Woodleigh Community Hospital provides a warm, inclusive environment for men and women with mental health needs, many of whom also require ongoing support for physical health conditions. We pride ourselves on creating a home-like setting rather than a traditional medical ward. This relaxed, open atmosphere helps residents focus on developing greater independence whilst still benefiting from round-the-clock care and supervision.
Our 23-bed facility is arranged to promote both privacy and social interaction. Each resident has a comfortable, single-occupancy bedroom, which can be personalised to reflect individual tastes and interests. We encourage residents to bring items such as photographs, cushions, artwork, or small furnishings—anything that fosters a sense of belonging and familiarity. Some rooms have en-suite facilities, while others share bathrooms located conveniently throughout the building. This layout ensures that residents can enjoy their own space for rest and reflection, with communal areas close at hand.
Outside the bedrooms, there are several shared spaces that nurture social engagement, recreational activities, and group therapies. A spacious lounge area allows residents to watch television, read, or simply chat with one another in a relaxed setting. The dining room encourages communal mealtimes, helping residents practise social skills and reinforce healthy eating habits. We also have smaller breakout rooms for quieter conversation, relaxation, or pastoral support.
Therapeutic and Activity Areas
Alongside private and communal living spaces, Woodleigh Community contains dedicated therapy rooms and multi-purpose areas where residents can take part in groups, 1:1 sessions, or supervised activities. Our Occupational Therapy suite is equipped for cooking lessons, arts and crafts, and a variety of practical tasks designed to develop everyday life skills. This approach enables residents to progress at a pace that suits them, with staff on hand to offer support and guidance as needed.
We also have an Activity Co-ordinator who arranges a wide range of sessions—music, gardening, gentle exercise, and mindfulness practices—to engage body and mind. These pursuits can be carried out indoors or, where appropriate, in the hospital gardens or local community facilities. By offering a mix of therapeutic and leisure activities, we help residents rediscover existing interests or discover new talents in a safe, encouraging environment.
Expertise in Complex Treatments
Our capacity to manage complex treatment plans is a particular strength at Woodleigh Community. We cater to individuals who may be challenging to place or who have had difficulty accessing the right level of support in the past. Clozapine, for instance, can be highly effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but requires dedicated clinical oversight and in-depth knowledge of its potential side effects. Our Clozapine clinic provides a safe and controlled environment for medication reviews, blood tests, and monitoring of vital parameters. The nursing team works alongside our psychiatry and psychology colleagues to ensure that any necessary adjustments are made promptly and with a full understanding of each resident’s history. By offering this level of specialised input on-site, we reduce unnecessary transfers and keep continuity of care firmly in place.
Promoting Independence Through Rehabilitation
Our central aim is to help residents move towards a greater level of independence, whether that means a transition to supported accommodation or, eventually, independent living in the community. We recognise that each person’s recovery trajectory is unique, so we craft individualised packages of care that address every relevant aspect of well-being. That can include psychological therapy, occupational therapy, and activity co-ordination, as well as educational sessions that span practical skills, coping techniques, and relapse prevention strategies. By combining clinical expertise with structured social and therapeutic programmes, we help our residents develop the competencies and confidence needed to navigate daily life successfully.
Admission Criteria and Process
Woodleigh Community Hospital is registered to care for up to 24 residents who are formally diagnosed with an enduring mental health illness. We accept admissions from the age of 18 and upwards, with many individuals referred to us following a period of more intensive treatment elsewhere. Typically, our residents require additional care, treatment, and monitoring in an open community environment to maintain stability and continue their rehabilitation. Many have complex diagnosis such as schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, bipolar affective disorder, or long-standing depression.
We also cater for those with dual diagnosis, where a mild learning disability coexists alongside a primary mental health condition. Some of our residents may be admitted informally, while others are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (Sections 2, 3, 37, or 41). Where relevant, we liaise closely with the Ministry of Justice for individuals who are subject to forensic restrictions, striving to balance societal protection with the individual’s right to rehabilitation and community engagement. Our admissions process is thorough yet supportive, ensuring that new arrivals and their families have a clear understanding of our ethos, programme, and expectations.
Care Plans, Reviews, and Monitoring
Upon admission, each resident is allocated a named nurse and a designated key worker. Together with the wider multidisciplinary team, they help develop a personalised care plan that details the resident’s mental health history, current presentation, strengths, challenges, and objectives. Risk assessments and crisis contingency plans are also put in place, ensuring that we can respond swiftly and effectively if a resident experiences a setback.
Care plans are living documents, reviewed regularly through mini care reviews and, more formally, at multidisciplinary meetings. This ensures that if a particular approach is not yielding the anticipated progress, or if a resident’s circumstances change, our approach can be adapted. By involving residents in these reviews, we promote a sense of ownership and empowerment. For those requiring additional oversight, monthly or even weekly progress reports may be shared with funders, commissioners, or legal bodies such as the Ministry of Justice.
Multidisciplinary Team Working
Collaboration is key to delivering effective mental health care, and Woodleigh Community invests in a well-rounded multidisciplinary team that includes:
- Psychiatrists: responsible for comprehensive mental health assessments, diagnostic reviews, and ongoing care plans. They work closely with each resident, prescribing medication, assessing mental state, and making clinical decisions in conjunction with nursing and psychology colleagues.
- Psychologists: offering in-depth assessment, therapeutic interventions (e.g. anger management, supportive counselling), and detailed psychological reports. They also liaise with external agencies, including the Ministry of Justice and funding bodies, to ensure that each individual’s psychological needs are well understood and communicated.
- Nurses: Our nursing staff not only deliver day-to-day medical and therapeutic care but also act as consistent points of contact for residents. They manage medication regimens (including Clozapine monitoring), oversee primary healthcare needs, coordinate care reviews, and offer support in daily living skills.
- Occupational Therapists: Specialists who help residents build or regain the practical skills they need for meaningful occupations—whether that’s cooking, budgeting, workplace readiness, or social engagement.
- Activity Co-ordinators: These team members design and implement a range of engaging and enriching activities. From gardening projects to art sessions and community outings, they ensure that residents have ample opportunities to build self-esteem, socialise, and explore new interests.
By bringing together professionals from each of these fields, Woodleigh Community can offer holistic, compassionate, and evidence-based treatment. Regular team meetings, mini care reviews, and progress reports allow us to adapt rapidly to any changes in presentation or circumstances, ensuring that care is consistently person-centred and responsive.
Psychiatric Services and Assessments
The psychiatric arm of Woodleigh Community offers a broad spectrum of support to residents. This includes initial and ongoing assessments to determine the most appropriate medication and treatment strategies, as well as progress reviews that track improvements or identify early warning signs of deterioration. Our psychiatrists are adept at forensic assessments, liaising with the Ministry of Justice for those requiring additional oversight or who are under legal restrictions such as Section 37/41. Each individual’s treatment is outlined in a detailed care plan, with clear goals and measurable outcomes. We employ risk assessments to promote safe yet progressive engagement with the community, balancing the importance of positive risk-taking with the need for structured supervision.
Psychological Support and Intervention
Nursing Care Tailored to Individual Needs
Our nursing team operates at the heart of daily life in Woodleigh Community, offering round-the-clock clinical oversight as well as a broad range of therapeutic and social supports. Individual care review planning ensures that every resident has an up-to-date care package tailored to their evolving needs. A focus on education helps residents understand the importance of medication adherence, consistent sleep routines, good nutrition, and exercise. The nursing team regularly hosts 1:1 sessions where residents can reflect on their experiences, set new goals, or simply talk through any concerns in a safe and non-judgemental setting.
Primary healthcare remains a key focus, and we liaise closely with GPs, dentists, opticians, and other specialists to guarantee that residents have access to high-quality physical healthcare. This integrated approach helps reduce the stigma that so often accompanies mental health diagnosis. By normalising the idea that physical and mental well-being are two sides of the same coin, we encourage residents to take ownership of their health and move forward with confidence.
Occupational Therapy and Activity Co-ordination
At Woodleigh Community, occupational therapy is grounded in the understanding that meaningful activity is pivotal for self-esteem, social inclusion, and improved mental health outcomes. Our Occupational Therapists conduct detailed assessments of each resident’s capabilities, looking at everything from motor skills to cognitive processes and sensory integration. They then suggest and oversee interventions designed to foster independence in day-to-day tasks and increase engagement in community life.
Supporting this clinical input, our Activity Co-ordinators create a varied schedule of events and pursuits. These might include creative arts, cooking clubs, mindfulness sessions, group sports, or community outings to local museums or libraries. The aim is not simply to fill time, but to ensure that each activity has therapeutic or educational value and is aligned with residents’ interests, strengths, or personal goals. For those who are close to stepping down into the community, we offer work placement support and guidance, often in collaboration with local employers or voluntary organisations.
Family and Social Inclusion
Family involvement can be a vital part of the recovery process, and Woodleigh Community encourages relatives and close friends to be active participants in care where suitable. Our staff are available to discuss any concerns and offer advice on supporting loved ones living with mental health conditions. Where consent is given, families may be invited to attend care plan meetings or to take part in certain therapeutic sessions. We also recognise that some residents may have limited or challenging family relationships, and we work sensitively to support the individual’s social network as best as possible, whether through visits, phone calls, or facilitated family therapy sessions. By acknowledging and respecting the diversity of family structures, we seek to enhance the support system surrounding each resident in a way that feels beneficial and appropriate.