On the main ward, we can support up to 16 men, including those with a history of absconding. This is due to the enhanced levels of security we can put in place, both physically and relational, and can be seen as an alternative to low secure provision.

The focus on Wyvern Ward is increasing individual’s life skills to prepare them effectively for life outside a hospital environment. It provides a supportive environment and can be effective for those who may need a longer period of rehabilitation.

Wyvern Court is a 3-bed apartment extension to the Wyvern Ward. This supports the care pathway at Cygnet Hospital Derby by enabling service users to experience a form of supported accommodation before they are discharged, which can help reduce re-admission rates.

Wyvern Court helps to encourage independence prior to discharge to allow consolidation of the treatment programme. The service can help men to share facilities, compromise and to learn effective budgeting and other life and interpersonal skills in a realistic environment whilst still maintaining high levels of multi-disciplinary team (MDT) input.

The service we provide on Wyvern Court can be a motivating factor for others within Wyvern Ward itself, as there is more independence and it is a step closer to the community. It is also suitable for those with physical disabilities.

Activities are not just available during the week on Wyvern, we have weekend therapists who organise recreational activities. These can include walking, going to the cinema, going out for meals and playing football – real life activities that are meaningful and enjoyable. We also offer dedicated vocational hours for subjects such as e-learning, sourcing college and work placements, and completing CVs.

Our service user profile:

• Men aged 18+
• Detained under the Mental Health Act (1983) or informal
• Primary diagnosis of mental illness or personality disorder with:
  • Complex comorbidities
  • Substance, drug and alcohol abuse
  • Treatment resistance
  • Behaviours that challenge
• Aiming for a return to community or community-based care
• History of sexual abuse or domestic violence
• Typical diagnoses: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective disorder or depression
• May have secondary diagnoses of mild learning disability or autism spectrum disorder
• May have a forensic history and/or be stepping down from secure services
• May have a history of repeated acute admissions