About us

The older people's mental health service team is made up of mental health trained specialists including - nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social care staff. Our staff are skilled and experienced in working with older people with mental health problems, giving them the right skills to meet both the physical and mental health care needs of our patients.

We provide both inpatient and day hospital services for older people.  Patients coming to our in-patient and day hospital services will have their care needs assessed by our team on referral to the service.

As part of the service, information and ongoing support will be given to our patients and their families and carers to help them in planning for their future needs.

Admission criteria is that the individual must have an organic mental health condition that is deteriorating rapidly with unstable symptoms which are difficult to manage, and their needs cannot be met in situ supported by the Dementia Rapid Response Team (DRRT). The patients are detained under the Mental Health Act (1983) and they are presenting with escalating behaviours that challenge which cannot be managed safely in the community by the DRRT.

The majority of the client group are over the age of 65.

The ward is supported by an MDT including Consultant Psychiatrist, Geriatrician , junior doctors, trainee ACP, Nursing staff, HCA’s, discharge coordinator, psychologist, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The patients are reviewed weekly by the MDT. Best Interest meetings are held in order to form decision making around discharge planning, with some individuals being able to return home whilst others are discharged into appropriate care settings.

  • Referrals can be made to this service by doctors, nurses and therapists ONLY.

Our team of experienced clinicians deliver specialist programmes for older people with a diagnosis of dementia and their carers and also for older people who are experiencing other mental health problems (including anxiety and depression).

These programmes are run across the county in different venues.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions.

Specialist Day Services (OPMH),
Valley View,
Ashgreen,
Chesterfield S42 7JE

Tel - 01246 515576
Email - DCHST.LeaHurstDayUnitReferrals@nhs.net

We’re available 8:30 am - 4:30pm Mon-Fri

Dawn Bradley, Ward Manager
Older People's Mental Health Service (Snowdrop Ward / Walton Hospital)

Tel: 01246 515547 or 01246 515611
Email: dchst.snowdropward@nhs.net

Sarah Round, Service Manager
OPMH - Specialist Day Services

Tel: 01246515576
E: DCHST.LeaHurstDayUnitReferrals@nhs.net