As the UK's first purpose built Autism Hospital, Milton Park has developed a reputation for achieving positive outcomes for patients. In patients with ASD who were detained under the Mental Health Act, at risk of offending, experiencing mental health problems or exhibiting challenging behaviours we have seen:
Confirmation of diagnosis, needs, abilities and risks
Reduction of aggression and challenging behaviour
Engagement with therapeutic intervention
Development of independent living skills
Improvement of social and communication skills
Increased understanding of their condition and management technique
Individual needs and choices
Every patient has a thorough risk assessment before admission to the hospital and before the start of any treatment, both within the hospital and the local community. Patients liaise with their keyworker to discuss their likes, interests, goals and aspirations. These could include starting a college course, wanting to cook, developing the confidence to meet new people or working towards coming off section.
Staff support patients towards achieving their goals. This may require social stories, education on social rules, understanding body language and facial expressions. Support also includes practical skills such as independent living, budgeting, food preparation, shopping and self care. We can also help access college courses and support clients to engage with the local community.
Lifestyle
Milton Park Hospital has an on-site Activity Centre. The centre provides qualified staff to support individuals and small groups to access the centre and gain new skills, confidence and improved social interaction. The aim is to maximise an individual's potential on the pathway to residential care or supported living. These activities are planned around the interests and capabilities of the resident and are arranged during the day, evening and weekend to ensure that a structured timetable is achieved.
The Activity Centre has a number of rooms that patients can access throughout the day and evening, including:
• Gym
• Arts & Crafts room
• Sofa room
• IT suite
• Pool room
• Patient kitchen
• Relaxation room
Milton Park is located in the village of Wyboston in Bedfordshire, within 5 minutes drive of the market town of St Neots. Patients are supported to utilise the amenities including the leisure centre, shops, library and colleges etc. Staff support patients to develop their independent living and social awareness skills to enable them to move to more independent living when appropriate.
Education
Milton Park employs an Education Coordinator who helps to develop individualised educational programmes for patients. These programmes can be linked into local college courses so patients can progress on to college when appropriate.
