PICU Referral Process
A clear and responsive pathway to psychiatric intensive care
Referring a patient to a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit should not add unnecessary complexity to an already urgent situation. At Baldock Manor, our referral process is designed to be straightforward, clinically led and responsive to the realities faced by NHS commissioners and bed managers.
We understand that referrals are often made at points of heightened risk, where timely access to the right level of care is essential. Our process is built to support rapid decision making, while ensuring that each placement is appropriate and safe.
For an overview of the service you are referring into, including the type of care provided and the environment patients can expect, you can visit our main PICU hospital page.
Making a PICU Referral
The first step is to contact our referrals team, who will guide you through the process and gather the necessary clinical information. This typically includes details of the patient’s current presentation, relevant history and risk factors, as well as any immediate concerns that need to be considered.
What distinguishes our approach is the level of clinical involvement at an early stage. Rather than acting as a purely administrative process, referrals are reviewed by experienced clinicians who can assess both suitability and urgency. This ensures that decisions are grounded in clinical need, not just availability.
From Referral to Admission
Once the referral has been received, it is reviewed promptly by the clinical team. If further information is required, this is requested without delay to avoid unnecessary waiting. A clear outcome is then communicated, whether that is acceptance, advice on alternative pathways, or a request for additional detail.
Where a patient is accepted, admission can be arranged quickly, with support from our 24 hour service. This allows placements to take place in line with clinical need rather than operational constraints.
For those specifically seeking urgent access, our PICU bed availability page provides guidance on how to check current capacity and initiate the process quickly.
Supporting complex and high-risk presentations
Our PICU referral process is designed to accommodate people with complex mental health needs, including those who require intensive support beyond acute wards. This includes patients presenting with elevated levels of risk, as well as those whose needs have not been met in other settings.
We recognise that these cases often require careful consideration and clear communication. Our team works closely with referrers throughout the process, ensuring that decisions are transparent and that the rationale for each outcome is understood.
A process aligned to system pressures
Commissioners and bed managers are working within systems where demand consistently outpaces capacity. Our aim is to support you in navigating these pressures by providing a referral process that is efficient, predictable and clinically robust.
This includes maintaining open lines of communication, offering guidance where needed, and ensuring that decisions are made as quickly as possible without compromising quality or safety.
Start a PICU Referral
If you are looking to refer a female patient to a PICU hospital in Hertfordshire, our team is ready to support you through each stage of the process.
Alternatively, email [email protected] or call 01462 499 417
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