Cefn Carnau Uchaf

Cefn Carnau Uchaf is a modern purpose-built low secure hospital comprising three separate areas providing specialised care and treatment for adults with learning disabilities and past or present mental health illnesses. The hospital is registered to care for those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. The male unit has 14 single rooms with a lounge on both floors and a conservatory on the ground floor. The female unit has 8 single rooms and a spacious sitting room and lounge. Both wards look over the well kept but secure gardens, which have views across Caerphilly Mountain, near to Cardiff.

Cefn Carnau maintains a complement of highly committed staff experienced in listening, understanding and responding to patient’s needs, and actively supporting the therapeutic approach of the unit. The multi-disciplinary team for Cefn Carnau consists of consultant psychiatrists, forensic and clinical psychologists, educational coordinators, and therapy assistants. Patients are encouraged to attain daily living skills; this is achieved through person centred care planning and goals drawn up and agreed by the primary nurse. The highly trained team are committed to providing a safe environment and facilitate independence and dignity through the development and review of individual care plans. Qualified nurses are on duty 24 hours a day assisted by senior support workers and support workers together with the multi-disciplinary team. Cefn Carnau liaises with families, community organisations, social services departments and purchasing authorities to support Person Centred Care Planning and ensures full account is taken of social, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of all individuals. Cefn Carnau promotes Craegmoors’ communication strategy called “Your Voice” which ensures that each individual, based on their preferred method of communication, is able to have a voice on how their supported care is provided. Monthly service user meetings are held where individuals are able to represent the views and voices of fellow residents. This is extended to a voice at area, divisional and national level. Cefn Carnau liaises with families, community organisations, social services departments and purchasing authorities to support Person Centred Care Planning and ensures full account is taken of social, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of all individuals.

The hospital is located in a quiet setting with well-maintained secure gardens and a secluded courtyard. The patients are able to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the mountains and countryside. In-house activity co-ordinators ensure that there are a wide range of rehabilitation skills practiced and a varied activity programme allowing greater scope for the patient to be re-integrated into the community.