PURPOSE
We believe the psychiatric inpatient is an individual who is temporarily unable to cope with his problems within his own environment. Each patient deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Our treatment approach is called the Sanctuary Model™ and is applied generally to improve the quality, education, and treatment of all inpatients. The key elements of the Sanctuary Model™ are the practice of nonviolence, supporting a therapeutic milieu, and application of stress theory and biology. The unit affords the patient the opportunity to be removed from his external problems. It places him in an environment of acceptance. It allows him the opportunity to explore thoughts, feelings, and reasons for his behavior. It provides patients with a therapeutic environment that is safe and non-threatening.
SCOPE OF SERVICE
The Mental Health Unit at Lancaster General Hospital is designed to provide acute psychiatric care to patients ages 18 and over. A supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere is provided by our Treatment Team and is essential to each patient's well being. Referrals come from physicians, therapists, clergy, social service agencies or the hospital’s emergency department. The average length of stay is six (6) days.
The unit is a closed unit of 25 beds; 6 beds are designated as an Intensive Treatment Area which allows close observation of seriously ill patients and the remaining 17 beds are for the ambulatory adult patients. Most patients are voluntarily admitted, but a number are admitted on court ordered involuntary commitments.
We offer a variety of therapeutic services organized under the Sanctuary Model’s S.E.L.F. translation which is a focus on Safety, Emotions, Loss, and Future. These services include individual and group therapies, family education and therapy, creative therapies, social service evaluation and referrals, and medication administration and education based on each individual's needs. In keeping with the philosophy of Lancaster General Hospital, the Mental Health Unit supports the Core Values of the hospital.
GOALS
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Provide an environment of acceptance, which is safe, non-threatening, and removed from the patient's external problems.
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Use counseling interventions to assist patients in improving or regaining their previous coping abilities
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Stabilize the patients’ psychiatric disorder through the use of various psychiatric treatment modalities to include medications, diagnosis and education.
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Involve the patient in assessing and helping to coordinate “after care” plans, which are vital to the success of the patient post discharge.