Broadmoor Hospital Information for official visitors
Introduction We work with patients suffering from mental health disorders who require care and treatment within conditions of high security. Broadmoor Hospital is part of the NHS and wards are staffed by teams of clinicians. The clinical team includes nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers and doctors. Although the majority of patients have been transferred from prison, the courts or medium secure units, not all patients have committed crimes. The average length of stay for a patient is 6 years. Booking an official visit It is the responsibility of the member of staff hosting or authorising the visit to ensure that official visitors are briefed about the hospital s safety and security requirements. When you visit the hospital, you will need to provide photographic identification (e.g. passport, driving licence or warrant card) to reception staff on arrival. In the absence of photographic ID, two of the following must be produced: recent utility bill, driving licence, credit/bank card or employer ID. Before entering the hospital, you will be photographed and an electronic scan of your fingerprint will be registered. Expectant Mothers Although we take every step possible to ensure a safe environment for all visitors to the hospital, it is important to remember that there is a potential risk of unpredictable behaviour by patients. Visitors who are pregnant should consider this before making the decision to visit the hospital. If you are a Trust employee, are undertaking work on behalf of the Trust, or you are a student, you should refer to the hospital maternity policy (M1). If you are hosting a visitor at Broadmoor, you should liaise with the organisation of the visiting staff to agree a course of action, in accordance with the maternity policy. 2 3
Where contact with patients is necessary, such as for legal visits, there is a responsibility on the part of the visitor s employer to carry out their own risk assessment about whether it is felt to be safe for their employee to visit patients at Broadmoor Hospital. When the hospital is made aware that a visiting solicitor is pregnant or deemed more at risk, the following will apply: In respect of private interviews between solicitors and patients the hospital will consider each request individually. A risk assessment must be carried out by the patient s clinical team and forwarded to the relevant service director and clinical lead who will decide the arrangements for the visit. Normally the visit will take place in the closed visiting suite, where physical separation between the patient and visitor is assured. If the decision of the service director is challenged, the matter must be referred to the Executive Director of High Secure Services for review. Pregant solicitors at CPA review meetings Solicitors who are pregnant will normally be allowed to attend care programme approach (CPA) review meetings, but the clinical team must make sure that the solicitor is seated to minimise any risk to her. Pregnant solicitors at first tier tribunals We will advise the solicitor and the Chair of the tribunal about the safety of the solicitor. The relevant service director may also require private interviews before or after the hearing to take place as a closed visit. The decision and responsibility for the conduct of a tribunal where a pregnant solicitor is present is shared between the solicitor, their firm and the first tier tribunal. Dress and Conduct All visitors are asked to be mindful of their behaviour and clothing when visiting the hospital. You should be aware of others, behave in a calm and considerate way and not wear clothes which are revealing, or which could cause offence. You should wear sensible shoes (no flip-flops or loose sandles). If your visit includes clinical areas, shoes must be low heeled, soft soled to reduce noise, and be non-slip. Please wear minimal jewellery during visits. If reception staff feel that you are inappropriately dressed you may not be allowed into the hospital. 4 5
Prohibited items Broadmoor Hospital is a high secure environment and there are certain items which you cannot bring into the hospital. There are lockers in reception, which you can use to store items you are unable take into the hospital with you. DF 22 Prohibited item list: 1 Any firearm or ammunition or component parts. Any explosive substance or firework or item having the appearance of being an explosive. Any article made or adapted which could be used to cause injury to a person or to damage property. All controlled drugs (except for authorised personal medication). Alcohol. Food or drink. Sharp cutting instruments. Cutlery of all types, metal or plastic. (These items will be supplied by the hospital.) Craft items, including crochet hooks, knitting needles, scissors (all types) etc. (If these items are required for a patient activity they will be supplied by the hospital). 50 50 50 Rope, string, cable, ear or headphones. Lighters, matches, tobacco, cigarettes and related materials. Cameras. Excessive cash keep the amount of cash you have in your possession to a minimum. Cash can be deposited in the safe in Reception if necessary. Mobile phones, chargers or components parts. Computers, PDA s and electronic organisers or component parts. Satellite navigation equipment. Digital pens. Mass media storage devices, flash drive memory cards. MP3 players or similar devices. Any article which the searcher has reason to believe may be used to facilitate a patient s escape. Any article which the searcher has reason to believe was intended to be passed to a patient. This list is not exhaustive. For more information, please speak to a member of reception staff. 6 7
Circle H Old Wokingham Rd ill Rd Bracknell Rd B3348 Learning and Development Main car park P B3348 Brookers Corner Upper Broadmoor Rd White City WhiteCity Upper Broadmoor Rd Club Lane Kentigern Drive Main entrance P Staff parking Cricket Field Grove Chaplain s Hill 01344 77 3111 www.wlmht.nhs.uk Broadmoor Hospital Crowthorne Berkshire RG45 7EG 8 West London Mental Health NHS Trust Produced by the Communications Team 00000X/ Broadmoor Nov 12