Ward atmosphere on a medium secure long-stay ward

Abstract

This study focuses on the patients and staff within a newly developed long-stay/rehabilitation ward of a medium secure unit (MSU) for mentally disordered offenders. The aims were: to gain the opinions of both groups with regard to their ward environment, to test for differences between the groups and to determine the degree of perceived therapeutic care. The ward was compared with a pre-discharge ward. Data were obtained through self-report using a sample of 13 patients and 16 staff. Limited differences were recorded on both wards and on global comparisons. No patient characteristics were found to be significant when they were compared with the ward atmosphere results.