Chaseways

The focus at Chaseways is on improving social inclusion and access and on improving daily living skills. Clinical and therapeutic input is provided by the multi disciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists and nurses.

Chaseways is a large property with spacious communal areas and a large, landscpaed garden with smaller plots which patients are able to grow their own plants and vegetables. All bedrooms are en-suite and have recently been refurbished to a very high standard. Individuals are encouraged to personalise their rooms to their own tastes. There is also an assisted bathroom, with a hi-lo bath for ease of use and a laundry where patients are supported in undertaking their own laundry. A sensory room in the garden provides patients with a quiet area to use at their own will. Staffing levels at Chaseways are high and qualified nurses are available 24 hours a day.

Chaseways is situated in the small town of Sawbridgeworth, close to the town of Harlow and on the London to Cambridge train line. There are pleasant walks along the River Stort and the town centre, which is a conservation site, offers a good selection of local shops and amenities. For a wider choice, the town of Harlow and Bishops Stortford are also close by. Sawbridgeworth is easily accessible by both road and rail.

Patients at Chaseways are supported in accessing local services, such as Bishops House Day Service, Harlow College, for cooking and horticulture, and there is a recently opened Leisure Zone which contains a gym and swimming pool. The local cinema, bowling alley, cafes and pubs are also popular.

Many patients have their own bus passes and are supported to use public transport, but there is also a dedicated mini-bus available in addition to this. At Chaseways we make every effort to ensure that all patients are given the oppportunity to be involved in activities of their choice, such as horse riding, train and plane spotting, and activities within the unit such as cooking, drawing and painting.

Patient Profile:

• Primary diagnosis of learning disability and mental health complex needs
• Forensic history
• May present with co-morbid presentations:
  • Challenging behaviour
  • Personality disorder
  • Schizophrenia, depression, bi-polar disorder
  • Dual diagnosis
  • Complex needs and/or multiple diagnoses
• May be detained under the Mental Health Act or informal
• May have a history of repeated hospital admissions