The PDU provides an alternative pathway for patients who access emergency departments and other services, such as the police and ambulance services. The aim of the PDU Is to provide an environment and atmosphere that is conducive to enabling service users to relax, and to provide high quality thorough assessment, leading to well developed, service user centred treatment plans. This will enable the service user to both manage their immediate crisis and place them onto a (usually community based) pathway, leading to more robust recovery.
Who uses our service
The PDU is for people aged 18 and over who require a safe and comfortable place for service users to receive an extended assessment and decision-making service for up to 12 hours, as an alternative to remaining in an A&E department or being taken into custody.
How we can help
We provide:
- A safe and comfortable environment to allow extended assessment by a mental health nurse.
- Care Crisis planning where service users are not previously known to BSMHFT. Where service users are known, plans will be discussed and reviewed with the Care Coordinator.
- Consultant Psychiatrist input as required.
The team
The team comprises of nurses and psychiatrists who are experienced at working in mental health.
How to access our services
Referrals are made to PDU by Home Treatment Teams, Place of Safety and A&E/Police via the Urgent Care Nurse.
