About this location
Set in spacious and relaxing grounds, Priory Hospital Middleton St George, located in Darlington, County Durham, is a specialist inpatient service for adults with mental health issues, complex needs and behaviours that challenge. There are 107 beds in total across a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU), an acute service, and a rehabilitation and recovery (R&R) service. We are dedicated to supporting people to transfer effortlessly between the most appropriate care, meeting individual needs, enabling recovery and re-engagement within the community, and maximising life opportunities.
Priory’s acute and PICU services aim to allow more people to be treated closer to home and we support the NHS to repatriate out-of-area patients back to local areas.
We accept referrals from a wide variety of public sector organisations throughout the UK, including special hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, prisons, courts, medium secure units (MSUs), forensic lead commissioners, social services, NHS Mental Health Trusts, GPs, the police and others.
Services at a glance
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Priory Hospital Middleton St George Middleton St George Darlington County Durham DL2 1TS
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In the most recent CQC inspection, Priory Middleton St George hospital was rated as ‘good’ in the areas of caring, responsive and effective, and its adult rehabilitation and recovery ward was rated as ‘good’ overall.
Services
Our acute services offer round-the-clock assistance in times of emergencies. Our specialist inpatient acute teams are committed to providing the highest quality of care, supporting patients with a wide range of mental health conditions in safe and highly therapeutic environments.
Ward break down
- Thoburn Ward – 22-bedded acute mental health admission and treatment service for males and females
- Oak Ward – 12-bedded acute mental health admission and treatment service for females, including personality disorders
- Sycamore Ward – 15-bedded acute mental health admission and treatment service for females
Conditions treated
We can support people with:
- Complex mental health needs
- Personality disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Self-harm
- Schizophrenia
We can also support people with the following challenges alongside their primary diagnosis:
- Substance misuse
- Eating disorders
We are able to support informal patients or those detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA).
Treatment approaches
At Middleton St George, we offer an individualised, person-centred approach for all of our patients.
The aim of our services is to support the NHS during times of fluctuating capacity and flow, allowing many people to receive care and treatment closer to home. This allows people to benefit from continuity of care and reduces the disruption for them and their loved ones.
Our assessment and treatment options are overseen by a full and diverse MDT.
Our team
Our team consists of:
- Medical director
- Consultant psychiatrists
- Director of clinical services
- Ward managers
- Deputy ward managers
- Mental health nurses
- Occupational therapists (OT)
- Healthcare assistants
- Psychologists
Therapeutic and community-based activities
We offer a range of therapeutic and community-based activities as part of a full treatment programme. We want to support people to become more confident and independent, preparing them to move through their treatment pathway towards community living.
We endeavour to use the recovery framework and work collaboratively to support patients through the period of crisis. We also work with patients and their families to assess and identify health, social and support needs.
Our facilities and environment
We believe that the environment in which treatment takes place is just as important as the treatment itself, when it comes to supporting our patients. We provide:
Our garden offers secure fencing, a patio area with furniture, a lawn, shelter and areas to plant with patients.
Our bedrooms
All of our bedrooms are single-occupancy and have an en-suite bathroom. Patients are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms while they are staying with us. We provide:
Exclusion profile
- People under the age of 18
- History of arson
- History of absconsion
Pathways
Priory’s network of high-quality facilities enables us to offer joined-up care pathways with our dedicated residential services. We offer programmes which integrate healthcare treatment and therapy, which are tailored according to individual needs, in an appropriate setting. Our strength is that we can provide a seamless transition for the individual as they progress between higher and lower dependency services.
As our site is able to offer acute, R&R and PICU services within a seamless care pathway, we can provide continuity of care and environment as people’s needs change and fluctuate.
We also offer people staying with us the opportunity to move into other specialist services when they are ready. In addition, we continually liaise with local NHS services to ensure that there is the effective transition of care on discharge or transfer.
Our comprehensive rehabilitation services provide support for people with complex mental health needs. We align our services with the recommendations of the Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental Health (JCPMH), ensuring our patients are given the highest quality care to enable an appropriate transition back home or into community services, wherever possible.
Ward break down
- Hazelwood – 10-bedded ward for females with a personality disorder
- Dalton – 13-bedded ward for females with complex mental health needs and behaviours that challenge
- Linden – 12-bedded ward for males with complex mental health needs and behaviours that challenge
Conditions treated
We are able to support people with:
- Severe and enduring mental health needs
- Personality disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Self-harm
- Sexual offending
We are able to support informal patients or those detained under the MHA.
Treatment approaches
At Middleton St George, we offer an individualised, person-centred approach to all of our patients.
People staying with us can be amongst the most vulnerable members of society and require sensitive therapeutic interventions that encourage self-awareness, knowledge and empowerment. Our service is multidisciplinary, comprehensive, collaborative and focuses on achieving realistic goals and ensuring effective pathways to the community, wherever possible.
Our assessment and treatment options are overseen by a full and diverse MDT.
We offer:
- DBT
- OT
- Mindfulness
- Trauma informed therapy
In addition, Linden Ward is accredited with the Accreditation for Inpatient Mental Health Services (AIMS) scheme.
People within our R&R service tend to stay with us for a variety of time lengths, dependent on their individual needs and how they are responding to their treatment.
Our team
Our team consists of:
- Medical director
- Consultant psychiatrists
- Director of clinical services
- Ward manager
- Deputy ward manager
- Mental health nurses
- Learning disability nurses
- Physical health nurses
- OTs
- Healthcare assistants
- Psychologist
- Activities co-ordinators
We are able to provide specialist DBT training to staff.
Therapeutic and community-based activities
We offer a range of therapeutic and community-based activities as part of a full treatment programme. We want to support people to become more confident and independent, preparing them to move through their treatment pathway towards community living. We also provide access to a local GP service, as needed.
Our facilities and environment
We believe that the environment in which treatment takes place is just as important as the treatment itself, when it comes to supporting our patients. We provide:
Our garden offers secure fencing, a lawn area, shelter and areas to plant with patients.
Our bedrooms
All of our bedrooms are single-occupancy and have an en-suite bathroom. Patients are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms while they are staying with us. We provide:
Exclusion profile
- People under the age of 18
- History of arson
- History of absconsion
Pathways
Priory’s network of high quality facilities enables us to offer joined-up care pathways with our dedicated residential services. We offer programmes which integrate healthcare treatment and therapy, which are tailored according to individual needs, in an appropriate setting. Our strength is that we can provide a seamless transition for the individual as they progress between higher and lower dependency services.
As our site is able to offer acute, R&R and PICU services within a seamless care pathway, we can provide continuity of care and environment as people’s needs change and fluctuate.
We also offer people staying with us the opportunity to move into other specialist services when they are ready. For example, we can facilitate a transfer to Station Road in Darlington, a step-down community-focused rehabilitation service, within easy access of the hospital.
You can see the latest CQC inspection report for Station Road here.
We also have access to our nationwide Priory Adult Care services, for appropriate transitions.
In addition, we continually liaise with local NHS services to ensure that there is the effective transition of care on discharge or transfer.
Our PICU services have been designed to support people in a severe phase of illness, who cannot be managed in acute services. Our dedicated PICU services place us at the forefront of specialised intensive care, and our highly trained teams can support people with complex needs and behaviours that challenge, along with co-existing issues (such as substance misuse).
Ward break down
- Chester – 10-bedded ward for females
- Birch – 10-bedded ward for males
Conditions treated
We are able to support people with:
- Complex mental health needs
- Personality disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Self-harm
- Schizophrenia
Patients admitted to our PICU service, exhibit a mental state or clinical behaviour that seriously compromises their physical or psychological wellbeing, or that of others. People within our PICU are experiencing an acute mental health crisis that cannot be managed in a less secure environment. However, consideration will always be given as to whether their behaviours could be safely managed and treated on a general acute ward.
The behaviour that determines the need for admission to the PICU will be as a result of an acute mental health condition, or an acute exacerbation of an existing mental disorder, which is expected to respond to treatment approaches available at the PICU in a relatively short period of time.
Referrals to our PICU service are accepted from a wide range of services, including acute psychiatric inpatient units, high dependency units, police stations, courts, prisons or directly from the community.
All patients within our PICU service are detained under the MHA.
Treatment approaches
At Middleton St George, we offer an individualised, person-centred approach for all of our patients.
The overall clinical model of care on our PICU wards is centred on the rapid reduction of acute symptoms, while promoting self-management and recovery. We aim to provide a least restrictive environment, empowering individuals to make decisions and be at the forefront of their care pathway and treatment.
The patients who are admitted to our PICUs have typically exceeded, exhausted or have been unable to benefit from local resources. Our skilled, multidisciplinary PICU teams have experience in safely managing complex patients in an acute phase of mental illness, who often demonstrate behaviours that challenge, along with co-existing issues such as substance misuse.
Our assessment and treatment options are overseen by a full and diverse MDT.
People within our service tend to stay with us for a variety of time lengths, dependent on their individual needs and response to treatment.
Our team
Our team consists of:
- Medical director
- Consultant psychiatrists
- Director of clinical services
- Ward managers
- Deputy ward managers
- Mental health nurses
- Learning disability nurses
- Physical health nurses
- OTs
- Healthcare assistants
- Psychologists
- Activities co-ordinators
We are able to provide specialist DBT training to staff.
Therapeutic and community-based activities
We offer a range of therapeutic and community-based activities as part of a full treatment programme. We want to support people to become more confident and independent, preparing them to move through their treatment pathway towards community living.
Our therapeutic and community-based activities include:
- Mindfulness exercises
- Exercising to promote wellbeing
- Walking in the grounds
- Therapeutic activities, such as gardening
Our facilities and environment
We believe that the environment in which treatment takes place is just as important as the treatment itself, when it comes to supporting our patients. Both of our PICU wards were purposely built in 2019 to meet National Association for Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (NAPICU) standards. We provide:
Our garden offers secure fencing, a lawn and areas to plant with patients. We also have specialised equipment within the hospital, such as interactive walls, for people to use.
Our bedrooms
All of our bedrooms are single-occupancy and have an en-suite bathroom. Patients are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms while they are staying with us. We provide:
Exclusion profile
- People under the age of 18
- History of arson
- History of absconsion
Pathways
Priory’s network of high quality facilities enables us to offer joined-up care pathways with our dedicated residential services. We offer programmes which integrate healthcare treatment and therapy, which are tailored according to individual needs, in an appropriate setting. Our strength is that we can provide a seamless transition for the individual as they progress between higher and lower dependency services.
As our site is able to offer acute, R&R and PICU services within a seamless care pathway, we can provide continuity of care and environment as people’s needs change and fluctuate. When the team agrees that someone no longer meets the criteria for a PICU service, they will be considered ready for discharge to a less restrictive environment. In order to allow for a smooth transition, we believe it is essential to start planning for discharge/transition as soon as possible.
We offer people staying with us the opportunity to move into other specialist services when they are ready. We also have access to our nationwide Priory Adult Care services, for appropriate transitions.
In addition, we continually liaise with local NHS services to ensure that there is the effective transition of care on discharge or transfer.
A message from our site leader
At Middleton St George, we strive to provide excellent patient care for everyone staying with us, and our staff work together with them to achieved fantastic, evidence-based outcomes
Priory Hospital Middleton St George site leader.
Comments from our patients and their family and friends
A group of amazing, kind-hearted people who work together to achieve life-changing goals. A great group of individuals who bring laughter and support throughout the toughest of times
Inside Priory Hospital Middleton St George
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Information for family and friends
How do home visits work?
We help to arrange home visits and encourage family and friends to remain in contact with their loved one while they’re staying with us. We can support people to go home alone when they are ready, or we can provide staff and appropriate transport to take them to see their loved ones. We will work with them and their relatives to ensure possible risks are managed and that everyone is supported to have a positive experience.
What is your visitation policy?
We are flexible with visiting times and have no restrictions. We do ask that visits are organised around any planned treatment. We also need 24 hours’ notice before a visit takes place. Children's visits must be observed by staff for safety reasons.
Will I be involved and kept up to date with my loved one’s care and wellbeing?
Yes, we make every effort to keep the loved ones of our residents involved in their care, if the person staying with us provides consent for us to do this. We also encourage family and friends to take part in MDT meetings, in person or by video call. Any questions may be asked and answered by email, phone and during visits.
Will my loved one be able to have a phone or call me?
People staying with us can have their own personal mobile phones, unless this has been assessed as being detrimental to their treatment and general mental health. Patients without phones have access to on-site phones, with staff support.
What type of things are families expected to provide, and what is provided by the home?
We provide all furnishings and food on-site. Clothing and toiletries are the only items people need to bring with them when they come to stay.
What are the bedrooms like?
All of our bedrooms are furnished with a fitted desk, wardrobe and a TV, and residents are supported to personalise them to suit their needs and wishes. They are all single person, en-suite rooms. We offer a mixture of single and three quarter beds.
Are external doors kept locked?
All of our external doors are locked. However, every person staying with us will be individually assessed for any risks to see what security is needed.
What do service users eat and how do meal times work?
We have an on-site catering team and can cater to individual dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free diets. We provide three meals a day, and food is served in each ward’s designated dining room. People can also have their own choice of snacks, which are available at all times. People in our R&R service are encouraged to do their own cooking as part of their rehabilitation, to prepare them for life in the community.
How does laundry work?
We have laundry facilities in every ward, so people can do their own washing and drying. People staying with us are encouraged to do their own laundry, with support if needed.
Is there anything they can’t bring or have?
We have a restricted and prohibited items list, which is reviewed and updated regularly. This can be seen on request.
Are pets allowed?
Patients are allowed to have their pets come to visit. This should be pre-arranged and happens outside in the gardens, once we have carried out a risk assessment.
How do activities work?
Our OT team provides a variety of activities on each ward, with appropriate input from the people who are staying with us. Activities are available for individual patients or ward groups. Everyone staying with us has the opportunity to share their ideas, and specific hobbies or interests can be catered for.
Do service users and families have an input into the service user’s care plans?
If the patient would like input from their family, we will accommodate their wishes through regular communication with the appropriate family members.
What are the car parking facilities?
There is free car parking on-site available 24 hours a day.
What is the smoking policy? Can service users buy cigarettes?
Priory Hospital Middleton St George is a non-smoking site. There are vaping areas outside in the garden and smoking cessation support can be provided if requested.
How is treatment accessed and funded?
We don’t take referrals directly from individuals and families. Instead, the first step will be for you to reach out to the person’s GP so that they can be referred and funded through the correct NHS channel. Depending on the type of support needed, this could include local authority funding, NHS funding, joint funding between the local authority and NHS, or direct payments. Please note, referrals for NHS or local authority funded services must come from a referring organisation.
How to make a referral
Our customer service centre provides 24/7 support for NHS mental health enquiries and referrals. Our customer referral co-ordinators can support you from your first call right through to the enquiry conclusion, providing updates throughout the process. We offer 24/7 crisis referrals, fast access to bed availability and placements, and a single access point for end-to-end enquiry management.