Our aim is to promote the health and well being of all our young people and to ensure that all aspects of their healthcare needs are met. Initially they will have a health assessment carried out by the on site Nurse and this will be followed up by a medical from the Doctor. The Dentist and Opticians attend the unit on a regular basis and the young person will be encouraged to have these examinations performed. All information will be kept within the individual’s confidential health care plan.  

The local School Nursing Team provides an immunisation programme. They offer all vaccinations advised by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.

Any previously undiagnosed conditions will be highlighted and referrals made to the appropriate health professions. This can be arranged within this area or forwarded to the young person’s local area.

Whenever possible we will facilitate previously arranged appointments, e.g. hospital or Orthodontists, and will keep close links with all professionals involved in the young person’s health. This will not only ensure that their needs are being met but also that there is continuity of care.

Speciality

Referrals can be made to the local CAMHS Team. They offer advice on individual young people and will attend the unit if an emergency arises. 

The Midwifery Service, Silver Team at the Royal Alexandra Hospital look after pregnant teenagers. They regularly attend the unit and are on call for any problems or issues which may arise with the young person and their pregnancy.

The Oral Hygienists come to the unit four times a year. They train staff and young people on how to look after their teeth and gums.

We regularly invite outside health promotion agencies to give talks and advice to the young people. This is normally needs-led and done on an individual basis however other groups such as Mental Health Advocacy and Smoking Cessation will do group sessions.

We have extremely close links with the Sandyford Sexual Health Clinic. They offer advice, sexual health counselling, sexually transmitted disease screening and family planning. They also helped us develop our Sexual Health Programme and staff were trained for this by NHS Scotland Sexual Health Team

Specialist Health Provision 

At the Good Shepherd Secure/Close Support Unit we fully recognise the importance of addressing all aspects of health. Staff undertake specific training in mental health from developing confidence, self esteem and resilience to more complex interventions aimed at working with young people who have been diagnosed with mental illness. 

A trauma consultant visits the unit on a weekly basis to provide support and advise to staff on how to meet the needs of young people and develop effective care plans. Young people have access to Forensic, Clinical psychologist and trauma counsellor.

All young people are given an initial mental health screening within 3 days of admission. Following the Initial Mental Health screening the Clinical psychologist share the outcome of the assessment and, if appropriate, progress to a full mental health assessment.