Assessment and admissions
Pre-treatment assessment
A pre-treatment assessment is conducted either by telephone or in-person, taking into consideration any medical, psychiatric, social or legal reports that have been provided. All we ask is that you express a desire for help, and an acceptance that abstinence is now the only sensible option left to you. Once all the relevant information is in place, a multidisciplinary team will make a decision regarding admission and the next available date will be allocated to you.
Admissions
As you arrive: When you arrive at Clouds House you will be met by a member of the Referrals & Admissions team who will introduce you to the Medical Centre staff. You will have your initial consultation with the Clouds' Medical Consultant, and the nurse on duty will show you to your room and help you to unpack.
Paperwork: There will be some paperwork to go through, and you will be given a personal file which contains information to help you to understand the expectations of treatment and to ensure your safety. This file includes clear guidelines around fire safety (there are also posters around the house and on all bedroom doors) as well as an explanation of the Code of Conduct and Basic Safety Needs of the community. There is also information about the timetable and aims of the treatment programme.
Concerns: In addition, and to encourage you to discuss any concerns regarding members of staff, the file contains a copy of the Complaints Procedure that you can pursue if necessary.
Your peers: Finally you will be assigned a more senior member of the community to be your 'minder' ‑ someone to show you around, introduce you to your peers, and help you integrate into the community. Fundamental to the programme is the help and support provided by fellow patients, who can draw strength from each other. This approach prepares people to engage with the 12-Step self-help fellowships that provide a widespread network of free support.
Diversity: Clouds House welcomes diversity and promotes a policy and practice of equality in service provision for all, regardless of sex, gender reassignment, marital status, colour, race, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, membership/non‑membership of a trade union, or any political affiliation. Those referred can be male or female, from any background, of any race, creed or sexual orientation. It is important that we know as much about you as possible at this stage, so that we can fully assess not just your suitability for treatment at Clouds House, but also whether Clouds House is the right place for you.
Age: We help people between the ages of 18 and 70 years, although we have helped people older than this.